Pupils and staff at Bishops Stortford College had to be evacuated in the early hours of this morning (September 29) after fire ripped through a boys boarding house.

Saffron Walden Reporter: The blaze at Bishops Stortford College Picture: Herts Fire ServiceThe blaze at Bishops Stortford College Picture: Herts Fire Service (Image: Archant)

Around 40 firefighters were called to the independent boarding school in Maze Green Road at 3am after receiving reports of smoke emerging from the roof of the building.

64 boys and staff were safely evacuated from Robert Pearce House, as Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, assisted by Essex Fire Service, tackled the blaze.

No-one was injured in the incident and it is believed that the fire started in the roof.

The prep and senior schools at the college were closed today, although the pre-prep remains open.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue said: “We were called this morning at 3am and the roof was well alight when crews arrived.

“Six pumps, including colleagues from Essex Fire Service, attended the incident and crews used an aerial ladder platform to reach the fire.

“An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun. but it does not appear to be suspicious.”

A spokesman for Bishops Stortford College said: “All boys and staff were evacuated safely and the pupils are being accommodated elsewhere in the school.

“The college hopes to be operating as near normally as possible on Wednesday, September 30. The fire appears to have started in the roof and the fire and rescue service are undertaking their usual investigations.”