Business owners 'stood and watched empires burning' as fire tore through shops in Petersfield
Fire crews were called to Lavant Street in Petersfield
Business owners in a town centre say they have been left devastated as they "stood and watched their empires burning" in a large fire which tore through multiple shops and flats.
Fire crews were called to Lavant Street, Petersfield in Hampshire, just before 6.30pm on Thursday 3 July.
At the height of the fire, eight fire engines were in attendance along with other specialist vehicles and emergency services.
The blaze caused significant damage to the roof of four properties, but no injuries have been reported.
One fire engine and one aerial ladder platform vehicle continue to dampen down and target hotspots this morning.
Hampshire Fire Service said it could take some time to assess the full structural damage due to the partial collapse of the interior.
Urban Search and Rescue Teams have been on site making a safety assessment.
Once it is made safe, they will be able to get inside and investigate exactly how this fire started.
Business owners spoke to ITV News Meridian about how they found out about the fire.
Business owner, Alma Blackwell said: "I came outside and there was a bit of a crowd of people forming, and they said, 'Oy love, you realise your roof's on fire?" I said, 'no, I didn't realise that.'
“I called Tim, the owner of One Tree Books, and who I rent the space from, he came down straight away and we just stood and watched our empires burning."
Tim O'Kelly said: "I got here about half past six last night, saw flames coming through the roof, it looks like the fire started in the flats, empty flats, next door to me, on the right-hand side of the building.
"All four roofs collapsed and there’s extensive water damage, all the books are soggy and smoky, I don’t know where we go from here.
"But hopefully we'll we'll get back and, we will be up and running again before too long."
Bookshop owner, Tim O'Kelly says he doesn't know where the business goes from here.
Crews from Alton, Cosham, Eastleigh, Emsworth, Greyshott, Havant, Horndean, Liphook, Petersfield, Portchester, St Mary’s and Southsea were in attendance.
Neighbouring properties were evacuated, and locals were told to avoid the area where possible to allow emergency vehicle access.
People living close were advised to keep doors and windows closed due to the smoke in the vicinity.
Lavant Street remains closed to traffic as crews try to establish how much of the historic terrace can be saved.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
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