Gosport fire: Roof of an historic building collapses as fire creates a huge plume of smoke visible
Firefighters tackle a blaze in Gosport
The roof of an historic building has collapsed following a blaze which created a huge plume of smoke across Gosport.
Crews from Gosport and Portchester, alongside an Aerial Ladder Platform, were at the scene of a fire in a derelict building on Privett Road, following a call at around 8pm yesterday evening (June 10).
It is believed that the building on fire was the 18th century Georgian house Privett Lodge described as “Gosport’s very own Jane Austen house” which was due to be demolished to make way for new homes despite attracting widespread opposition from residents.
The building previously belonged to the affluent Carter family who were once one of the most prominent landowners in Hampshire with ties to major historical figures such as Florence Nightingale.
But now the building was set to be demolished and replaced with six new homes after planning permission was granted by Gosport Borough Council.
Residents were told to leave their doors and windows closed, and there were road closures in place on Privett Road, Privett Place and Daniels Place while firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using multiple hose reel jets, continued to fight the fire.
A spokesperson from the fire service said: “The fire has now been extinguished, and firefighters remain on scene damping down the area.
“The roof of the building collapsed, but fortunately no-one was injured.
“Crews have been back to the site throughout the night for re-inspections and extinguished signs of hot spots and embers. Further inspections will continue through the morning.”