Huge Blaze Tears Through Poulner Home at Dawn
A massive fire ripped through a house at the Hangersley junction in Poulner, Ringwood early this morning. Flames erupted around 6.30am, quickly engulfing the property and sending thick smoke billowing across the area.
Neighbours Rush to Help Amid Crashing Glass and Smoke
Local resident Shane Phayer dashed outside after his mum Bobbie spotted the blaze. Smoke was visible from the busy A31, while the sound of glass smashing echoed as windows exploded under intense heat.
Six Fire Engines Battle Flames for Over Two Hours
Firefighters mounted a huge effort, with six engines on scene for more than two hours to bring the inferno under control. The front of the home had all windows blasted out and the rear was completely gutted. With the roof destroyed, crews had to carefully aim water jets through broken windows to avoid potential collapse of the gable end.
Southern Electric engineers worked alongside fire officers to disconnect live cables. Authorities say it could be some time before the damaged property is safe to enter.
Residents Heartbroken Over Historic Home Lost to Flames
“It’s not just bricks and mortar. It’s a lovely old house with a lot of history,” said one local watching the disaster unfold.
Fire crews also struggled to position water pumps on narrow country lanes as neighbours helped divert traffic away from the scene. Early morning runners Jane and Mark Loader witnessed the blaze, describing flames shooting “well into the skyline.” Traffic on the A31 is reportedly backing up as drivers slow to gawk at the thick smoke.
