"Massive Fire Engulfs Historic Town Club, Residents Urged to Keep Doors and Windows Shut"

Table of Contents

• Shocking Footage of the Blaze
• Firefighters' Response
• Impact on the Community
• History of the Portlands Club

Stunning footage captures the moment a massive fire engulfed a historic club on a town high street.

Kent Fire and Rescue was alerted just before 11:30 PM last night regarding a fire in Northfleet, Gravesend.

Firefighters rushed to combat a blaze in Northfleet, Kent The massive blaze tore through a building

Eight fire engines, an aerial ladder platform, a bulk water carrier, and a drone were dispatched last night following the fire at the Portlands Factory Club.

Impressive footage shows crews utilizing an aerial platform to extinguish the flames from above, as the fire posed a threat to nearby structures.

Bright orange flames illuminated the night sky while thick black smoke billowed into the atmosphere.

Firefighters donned breathing apparatus as they fought the flames using hose reel jets.

Local residents were advised to keep their doors and windows shut due to the heavy smoke.

Motorists were also urged to steer clear of the area last night.

By 6 AM, residents were no longer advised to keep their windows and doors closed, as crews were making “good progress” in combating the blaze.

Five fire engines and an aerial ladder platform remained on-site, according to the fire service.

The former Portlands Club building in Northfleet is designated as Grade II-listed.

Commonly referred to as The Factory Club, the building was established in 1878.

One individual commented on Facebook: “That’s the end of that. One of the last remaining pieces of Northfleet High Street.”

Another remarked: “We’re across the street – it’s a massive fire... I can’t see how the building can survive this.”

“Hopefully, whoever is responsible will face legal consequences, and no firefighters will be injured while trying to control it,” a third local expressed.

One more resident shared: “It’s unbelievable; I opened the window to see what all the lights were about, and the entire scene was a huge fireball, and I’m further down the road.”

“I sympathize with anyone who had to evacuate at this hour.”

The historic club was constructed by cement manufacturer Thomas Bevan.

Although it has remained vacant for over 30 years, the property was once a vibrant center for the community, featuring its own outdoor pool and a stage.

Scouts utilized the building, which is located at the junction with Factory Road, and it also hosted political gatherings and theatrical performances.

However, Portlands has suffered from multiple fire incidents in recent years.