On the evening of June 1, 2025, a fire broke out at Carrow Road, the historic home of Norwich City Football Club in Norwich, Norfolk, caused by a suspected gas leak. The incident, which occurred around 7:30 PM, sent shockwaves through the local community and football fans nationwide, as emergency services rushed to contain the blaze at the iconic stadium.
Carrow Road, a venue steeped in history since its opening in 1935, has long been the heartbeat of Norwich City FC, hosting countless memorable matches and moments for the Canaries’ passionate supporters. The fire, believed to have originated near the Geoffrey Watling City Stand, caused significant alarm due to its proximity to a reported gas leak in the surrounding area. While no official statement has yet confirmed the exact cause, early reports suggest that a gas leak in the vicinity of Rouen Road, a key access route to the stadium, may have sparked the blaze.
Emergency services, including up to 50 firefighters, were deployed swiftly to tackle the fire. Witnesses described thick black smoke billowing into the evening sky, visible from miles away, as flames engulfed part of the stand. Fortunately, no matches were scheduled at the time, and the stadium was empty, ensuring no injuries were reported. The rapid response of the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the 27,359-capacity stadium, though the extent of the damage remains under assessment.
This incident evokes memories of a previous fire at Carrow Road on October 25, 1984, when the old City Stand was destroyed due to an electrical fault, causing millions of pounds in damage and leaving the stadium with a three-sided configuration for two years. That blaze, which melted seats and destroyed the club’s boardroom and trophies, was a devastating blow to the club. Fans, including Kathy Blake of the Canaries Trust, recalled the emotional toll of that event, and tonight’s fire has reignited similar concerns among supporters. Social media posts from fans expressed heartbreak, with one writing, “Carrow Road is more than a stadium—it’s our home. Seeing it in flames again is gut-wrenching.”
Norwich City FC issued a brief statement confirming the incident and thanking the emergency services for their swift action. The club assured fans that a full investigation is underway to determine the cause and assess the damage. The gas leak, reported earlier by Cadent Gas, had already caused road closures around Rouen Road, disrupting access to the stadium’s popular 187-space car park. This may have inadvertently limited the number of people in the area during the fire, reducing potential risks.
As the club and authorities work to understand the incident, the focus now shifts to recovery. Carrow Road’s resilience has been tested before, and the Canaries’ spirit remains strong. Fans are already rallying, vowing to support their club through this setback, as plans for repairs and potential stadium upgrades loom.
