Former care home destroyed in huge blaze in Rake
Paul Ferguson
A former care home in Rake has been completely destroyed following a devastating fire.
Firefighters have spent much of the night battling a blaze at the Heathmount site off the B2070 London Road.
The building, which was awaiting redevelopment and has been boarded up for some time, was gutted by the fire which broke out around 11pm last night.
Multiple hose reel jets and main jets were used with around 60 firefighters fighting the blaze at its height.
The first, second and third floors, as well as the roof of the building, became engulfed in flames. The building later collapsed, resulting in falling debris and embers.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire & Rescue said: “The building was completely destroyed by fire and no injuries have been reported.
“An investigation will take place to determine the cause of the fire. Members of the public are urged to avoid the area while emergency services continue to work at the scene.”
The B2070 remains closed between Hatch Lane and Primrose Lane remains closed at the time of writing with crews remaining at the scene and investigations ongoing.
Crews from Odiham, Basingstoke, Fareham, Fleet, Bordon, Alton, Rushmoor, Grayshott, Havant, Liphook, Cosham, Southsea and Portchester, all attended.
An Aerial Ladder Platform and an Incident Command Unit also took part in the operation, which is now being scaled down.
Motorists have been asked to avoid the area due to the closure and the number of emergency service vehicles on scene.