Gosport fire: Roof of Privett Lodge collapses in blaze - firefighters spend most of night checking for embers

A fire that destroyed the roof of an historic derelict building raged for more than two hours before being put out.

As reported, firefighters were called to Privett Lodge in Gosport at 8pm on Wednesday. The house - which dates from the 18th century but is being lined up for demolition - was well alight, and smoke could be seen from all over Gosport. The roof later collapsed.

The fire was out at 10.30pm, says Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, but firefighters were at the scene for most of the night, damping down the area and making sure all embers were out. The service says that nobody was injured.

After inspections were carried out throughout the night, the crews sent their “stop message” at 4.30am, although they continued to check the area to make sure no hot spots remained.

Privett Road, Privett Place and Daniels Place were closed during the fire and residents were asked to avoid the area.