Fire crews battle large blaze involving outdoor 'man cave' in Paulsgrove

Four engines from Cosham and Southsea fire stations were dispatched at midnight to Bredenbury Crescent, with the blaze at risk of spreading across the area.

The fire had begun to destroy a series of sheds used as a ‘man cave’ personal bar and storage.

Cladding on three neighbouring properties was damaged, Cosham-based firefighter Jacob Orr said.

He said: ‘The flames were pretty large – there was a lean-to that ran the whole length of the garden on fire, and it was a pretty big garden.

‘(The lean-to) was being used as a sort-of man cave, with a bar and storage.

‘We were at the scene until 4am.’

Residents believe the fire could have started from the embers of a bonfire that had been extinguished earlier in the evening, according to the firefighter.

Cosham fire station crew manager Wayne Goble said: ‘Luckily, we kept the fire in check so most of the damage to the properties was external.

‘Where everything is dry with the hot temperatures we’re seeing, we’d ask anyone who has a bonfire to make sure everything is extinguished, and to use a hose pipe to make sure it is completely out.’

Two men were taken by ambulance to Queen Alexandra Hospital as a precautionary measure due to smoke inhalation.

A man and a woman also at the property at the time were checked by the ambulance crew at the scene.

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