Old Portsmouth pub manager says he feared for life during "scary" fire
Fire ripped through decking area
A pub manager has revealed how he feared for his life during a “scary” blaze that suddenly ripped through a rear decking area early in the morning.
Large flames erupted in the back garden area at the Bridge Tavern in Old Portsmouth around 5am on Saturday, July 11, leaving general manager Zac Truran, his partner, and another member of staff running for safety.
Luckily, quick-responding fire crews were able to bring the fire under control before it spread to the pub itself after the trio had hastily exited the pub from a side door.
However, the outside decking area has been left with a gaping hole in it, as has an adjacent low roof that is currently covered with tarpaulin. Items on the decking have been left scorched by the flames that pulsated up the wall of the historic pub building and dangerously close to an upstairs bathroom window that was open and made of wood.
Phone lines and internet cables were destroyed - leaving the pub unable to accept any bookings in the meantime. Engineers were at the venue on Tuesday attempting to restore connectivity.
The fire service told The News: “This fire is believed to have been caused by a discarded cigarette.”
However Zac said he was waiting to hear back from the fire service on its investigation into what caused the blaze.
Speaking of the dramatic incident, he told The News: “The alarm went off and I quickly came downstairs with my partner and supervisor. The fire service was here within 30 seconds of us getting out of the building.
“We don't even know when it started but we got out around 5am but the fire service were here and had it under control by about 5.05am.
“It was really scary, probably the scariest moment of my life. Unless it happens to you then you don’t really think about it. I think if we had been a couple more minutes to get out then we wouldn’t be in this position we’re in now.
“The flames were coming up to my bathroom window which was open and was made of wood so if that had caught alight it could have been a different outcome. Our windows were open and smoke went into our flat and set off the smoke alarm.
“It was all a bit blurry. Saturday was a long old day but at least there was no damage to the inside of the pub and we were able to open as normal at 12pm.”
Zac added: “The main thing is everyone got out safely, a building’s just a building. The fire erupted really quickly with flames coming up within a couple of minutes. We’re just glad we got out.”
A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson previously said: “Firefighters were called to East Street in Portsmouth shortly after 5am on Saturday morning following reports of a fire in the garden area of a public house.
“The fire is believed to have been caused by smoking materials discarded on wooden decking. The public house itself was unaffected by the fire.
“Firefighters used two hose reel jets to extinguish the blaze. The incident was brought under control, with the stop message after the reinspection of the scene was carried out at 10am, where no further signs of smoke or fire were detected.”
The spokesperson said: “Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents and visitors to dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials safely, particularly during periods of warm, dry weather.
“Discarded cigarettes can remain hot enough to ignite dry grass, wooden decking, and other combustible materials, potentially causing serious fires. By taking a few simple precautions, everyone can help reduce the risk of preventable fires and keep our communities safe.”