THE first photos of a university rowing club boat house that was destroyed by fire have been revealed.

Last night, concerned onlookers could only stand by as flames ripped through the Van Mildert College boathouse near Kingsgate Bridge in Durham at around 7pm.

Despite the best efforts of the fire service, who were at the scene for an hour and a half, they could only prevent the fire spreading to the nearby riverbank and were unable to save much of the boat house.

Read more: Durham University rowing club boathouse hit by large fire

A County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Reports of a fire at Van Mildert Boat house came in to CDDFRS just after 7pm yesterday (Tuesday, December 21).

“Two appliances from Durham and High Handenhold attended the incident and were able to extinguish the fire using two jets. They left the scene at 8.33pm.”

Durham Constabulary have also confirmed that it's looking into the factors surrounding the fire, and are aware of the situation.  

The Northern Echo: The aftermath of the fire at Van Mildert College last night (December 21). Photo: SARAH CALDECOTT.The aftermath of the fire at Van Mildert College last night (December 21). Photo: SARAH CALDECOTT.

The Northern Echo: Fire crews attended the fire for an hour and a half. Photo: SARAH CALDECOTT.Fire crews attended the fire for an hour and a half. Photo: SARAH CALDECOTT.

The Northern Echo: Since the fire, many have taken to social media to offer support to Van Mildert College. Photo: SARAH CALDECOTT. Since the fire, many have taken to social media to offer support to Van Mildert College. Photo: SARAH CALDECOTT.

The Northern Echo: Van Mildert College are yet to make an official statement on the damage. Photo: SARAH CALDECOTT.Van Mildert College are yet to make an official statement on the damage. Photo: SARAH CALDECOTT.

The Northern Echo: Durham Rowing Club have already offered their support to help the college club rebuild. Photo: SARAH CALDECOTT.Durham Rowing Club have already offered their support to help the college club rebuild. Photo: SARAH CALDECOTT.

The devastating fire was captured on video by one concerned onlooker – which has since been shared to social media and garnered hundreds of well-wish comments and shocked reactions.

Now that the smoke has settled on Van Mildert College boat house, the first images of the wreck have been revealed – showing the former shell of the boating facility and the rebuild job that’s needed for the college.

Following the destruction of the fire in Durham last night, many have taken to social media to offer messages of support, with many calling on Van Mildert College to start a fundraising page so that it can rebuild as quickly as possible.   

A post from Durham Rowing Club, which has been circulated online, reads: "Devastated for Van Mildert College, Durham tonight after learning of the fire in their boathouse. 

"We will help where we can while you recover and rebuild stronger in any way that we can. We're here for you."

The safety and coaching officer for Van Mildert College has also spoken out about the incident, saying: “We’re just taking some time right now to figure out what our options are but if we decide to fundraise, we will publicise it on our social media.

"Thank you so much for everyone’s kind offers though, it’s very much appreciated at this moment in time."

Meanwhile, another commentor said: “Absolutely devastated for my old club tonight.

“With no electrics and a wet evening, I can only assume the worst. Some respite knowing that Durham University has one of the biggest collegiate level rowing communities that always help out wherever possible."

A spokesperson for Durham University added: “We were notified of an incident late on Tuesday evening at Van Mildert boathouse. The incident was attended by the emergency services and there were no reported injuries. 

“An investigation into the cause of this incident is underway and we will continue to work closely with Durham Constabulary and their experts as the investigation continues.” 

Van Mildert College are yet to release an official statement on the fire.

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