Forty years since a devastating fire at Norwich City’s Carrow Road stadium, football fans are still recalling the destruction that occurred. The blaze, which occurred in the early hours of 25 October 1984, originated in the central section of the City Stand and quickly spread, causing millions of pounds in damage. While fortunately no one was hurt in the fire, the stadium was left with only three sides for the next two years, as the stand was left structurally unsafe. The club’s boardroom, trophies, changing rooms, and 700 seats were all damaged in the fire.
Despite the devastation, fans like Kathy Blake and Lorraine Taylor have fond memories of the old stand that was destroyed. The distinctive smell of freshly-mown grass, cigar smoke, and embrocation still lingers in their memories. Kathy Blake, who went to the club’s next home game just two days after the fire, recalled being deeply upset by the loss of the stand, which held sentimental value for many supporters. A replacement stand, now known as the Geoffrey Watling Stand, was constructed for the 1986-87 season, but the impact of the fire on the club and its fans was profound.
As firefighters battled the blaze, freelance journalist Bob Ledwidge was one of the first on the scene, sent by the BBC to report on the incident for the Breakfast Time show. The cause of the fire was later attributed to an electrical fault, with former club employee Dick Cann admitting he may have been responsible for accidentally leaving an electric heater switched-on in the stand. Despite the club stating that the incident is now “of historical interest” and the “world has moved on,” the memories of the fire still linger for those who were affected by the tragic event.
Former player Greg Downs remembers the unusual atmosphere of playing in a stadium with only three sides filled with fans, as the replacement stand was not ready until the following season. The disruption caused by the fire had a lasting impact on Norwich City and its supporters, but the club was able to rebuild and continue on. Forty years on, the memories of the Carrow Road fire serve as a reminder of the resilience of the community and the enduring spirit of football fans who continue to support their beloved club through thick and thin.
