Residents living near a former social club, which went up in flames, are being advised to “stay inside” after asbestos was uncovered.

Testing of the debris took place overnight at the Portlands building in Northfleet High Street - but it is understood the risks to health are low and the warning is precautionary.

Fire crews were called just before 11.30pm on Sunday (October 26), and at its height, eight fire engines, a height vehicle, a bulk water carrier and a drone were at the scene.

The High Street was closed as there were fears that part of the building could collapse, and surveys have been ongoing to assess the damage and for asbestos.

The cordon is still in place between the Hot Rod Diner and Lawn Road for both vehicles and pedestrians this morning (October 28), and fire crews and police remain on site.

In a statement issued this morning, Gravesham council asked residents of Factory Road to “stay inside” with their doors and windows closed as asbestos was found within the debris.

It explained that the report has been reviewed by the UK Health Security Agency, which advised that it is of “no significant health concern” as the fibres are held tightly within the body of cement products and are not readily released into the air during a fire.

The statement added: “It is important to realise that the risks to health are low and there is unlikely to be any significant exposure to asbestos following fires involving materials containing asbestos.

“While there is no direct evidence of long-term health risks from fires involving asbestos-containing materials, it is sensible that any asbestos-containing debris is removed to minimise any potential exposure.

“Arrangements are being made for the decontamination of asbestos-containing materials spread by the fire, which may have fallen as ash and debris over the surrounding area and been deposited on nearby properties, gardens, cars and streets.

“We will share updates on the clearance work as we have them. Thank you for your patience.”

The local authority has advised residents to leave any ash or debris on their property or in their garden alone and to contact the council to arrange decontamination on 01474 337000.

It has also warned them not to sweep or vacuum debris, as this could cause airborne dust.

If necessary to remove it, such as from car windscreens, people are being told to dampen the debris with water, then either flush away small particles to the drain or, wearing protective gloves, pick up larger pieces and seal them within two plastic bags.

They are then being told to either arrange collection with the council or take the waste to the Pepper Hill recycling centre.

The High Street is set to be closed for up to five days due to the fire, and several businesses, including the Hot Rod Diner, have been forced to close due to a lack of access.

Lawn Primary School has also confirmed following discussions with Kent County Council, it will not be open for the rest of the week.

In a statement, head teacher Angela Wilson said: “The school and surrounding areas will need to be made safe by making sure that all asbestos is cleared away. This will obviously take some time to organise and implement.

“I will keep you informed as and when I have any further updates.”

Pictures from the scene this morning show cars parked in Factory Road, near the junction with the High Street and Portlands, covered in dust and debris from the fire.

Nearby resident Samantha Stiles told KentOnline that those within the cordon have been told not to move their vehicles, as it could disturb the particles.

She added: “We have been advised to leave windows and doors shut. My garden is covered in ash.”

Fire crews were first called just before 11.30pm on Sunday (October 26), with operations ending at 4.45pm yesterday (October 27).

At its height, eight fire engines, a height vehicle, a bulk water carrier and a drone were at the scene.

There were no reported injuries, and the cause is not yet known.

Samantha added: “The entirety of the building was on fire. It went up in 15 minutes. My mum called 999 as the road was full of smoke.

“I was at Ebbsfleet train station and I could see it from there, so I ran home to get back to the house.

“It happened quickly, within minutes, and the embers coming over were lethal. The smoke itself covered the whole road; it was everywhere.”

Portlands, also known as The Factory Club, is a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1878. It was built by cement manufacturer Thomas Bevan.

Although it has been empty for more than 30 years, the property was once a hub for the area and used to have its own outdoor pool and a stage.

Local historian Christoph Bull said that he hopes, following the blaze, the building will be restored and brought back into use while keeping its historical importance.

He added: “The building needs to be used. A building that is not used comes to grief, and here is an example of what we knew would happen.

“The loss is tremendous for Northfleet. It must not be demolished, and the external walls should be preserved.

“It is only the inside that has gone, and that gives whoever owns it huge flexibility to do what they want.

“It is a very important building, and this might lead to it being rejuvenated, and that is what Northfleet needs.”

MP for Gravesham, Dr Lauren Sullivan, has also called for the prominent building to be restored, explaining that the site is currently the subject of probate following the death of its previous owner.

She added: “Like many others I was saddened to see the fire that took place at the former Factory Club.

“I would like to thank Kent Fire and Rescue Service for the speedy response that has meant the fire was put out and did not spread, and for Kent Police and other emergency services for their work in the area, working with residents to keep them safe.

“This Grade-II listed building is a focal point for Northfleet High Street and has been left to rot for many years by the private owners.

“I am informed that this site is currently the subject of probate due to the passing of the previous owner, but I shall be writing to the relevant parties to move this on to a swift conclusion, as this has taken far too long.

“I know officers are on site as we speak, assessing the damage and making assessments on the structural soundness, and I will update when I know more.

“I know some residents are worried about what will happen with the site, so through discussions with the council, I know they will not support any attempts to delist the building, it has enormous historical interest and context and needs to be preserved and that the council should use all its powers to reinstate this iconic building.

“The private owners should have insurance for this building, and this should be put to use restoring this building.

“I agree with residents in saying that this property should not be for flats or residential accommodation and ideally should be restored to its original function.”

This is not the first time the building has been hit by a fire, with reports happening in December 2022, July 2023, September 2024 and March this year.