The blaze at the Osborne View pub in Hill Head, which is between Southampton and Portsmouth, broke out at 2.30am on Thursday (22 February) and required about 50 firefighters to tackle the fire at its height.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service despatched 10 fire engines and support vehicles and advised nearby residents to close windows and doors due to the heavy smoke.
Fire crews returned to their respective stations after the incident had been “scaled down” 12 hours later.
Staff evacuated
Meanwhile, the on-site pub team were evacuated safely and have been relocated to a hotel while suitable living quarters are sourced.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said: “Fire investigation officers attended the scene for an initial look into the cause. At this stage it is believed the blaze was caused by an electrical fault involving a tumble dryer.”
A spokesperson for Hall & Woodhouse said: “Thanks to the continuing efforts of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service the site of the Osborne View has now been made safe and we have been able to take the building back from the emergency services, for which I am immensely grateful.
“The ferocity of the fire has caused major inconvenience and concern to the local community, in some cases to a significant degree, and so I am truly thankful for the understanding of those who have been affected.”
Necessities purchased by pubco
They continued: “Our immediate priority has been to ensure the personal wellbeing of affected team members, five of which were resident on site at the time of the fire.
“These team members have been relocated to a hotel while we arrange alternative longer-term accommodation and we have also supported them in purchasing necessities to replace those lost in the fire.”
The pubco added: “It is clear that due to the extent of the fire, the original building has been sadly lost.”
The pub will remain closed for the foreseeable future but Hall & Woodhouse said it is “totally committed” to the Osborne View and “to our part in the local community in the long term”.
