Shocking footage shows the moment a huge blaze ripped through an abandoned nightclub in a high street.
Fire crews were called just before 11.30pm last night to reports of a fire in Northfleet, Gravesend.
Eight fire engines, a height vehicle, a bulk water carrier and a drone are tackling the blaze at the Portlands Factory club.
The High Street remains closed, with pictures showing smoke billowing in the air as orange flames illuminated the sky.
The blaze has led to fears the building could be on the verge of collapse – though officials are yet to confirm whether that is the case.
The former Portlands Club building in Northfleet is Grade II-listed.
Eight fire engines were called to the former Portlands club in Northfleet last night. Picture: Dan SmithThe former Portlands Factory Club in Northfleet High Street up in flames, Picture: Mandy Yates
Also known as The Factory Club, the building dates back to 1878. It was built by cement manufacturer Thomas Bevan.
Although it has been empty for more than 30 years, the property was once a hub for the area and used to have its own outdoor pool and a stage.
This isn’t the first time the building has been on fire. There was outcry in December 2022, when a historian said a large blaze which broke out at the listed building was “a disaster”.
At the time he said: “The building is one of the most important in Europe. It is not just some old hall – this is a really important building. It is a very, very significant building not only in Northfleet but internationally.”
It was then hit in July 2023, in September last year and March this year.
As of 6am, residents were no longer being advised to keep their windows and doors closed, with crews making “good progress” on the blaze.
Five fire engines and a height vehicle remain in attendance, said the fire service.
A police spokesperson told KentOnline: “Patrols attended and assisted Kent Fire and Rescue Service by closing roads near the incident.
“Some residents were evacuated while fire crews extinguished the blaze and they have since returned to their properties.
The former Portlands club in Northfleet High Street suffered from a fire last night. Picture: Dan SmithThe former Portlands club in Northfleet High Street suffered from a fire last night. Picture: Mandy Yates
“Emergency services remain at the scene and the High Street adjacent to the damaged building, along with part of Factory Road remain closed.
“An investigation is underway into the cause of the fire.”
More as we have it.