2 years ago
79
ARTICLE AD BOX
Watch: Fire rips through building near football ground
By Sue Paz & Emily Ford & Michael Stoddard
BBC News
A major fire has broken out in Southampton, close to the city's football ground.
A smoke plume can be seen in the area coming from industrial units on Marine Parade near St Mary's Stadium.
One person has been treated for the effects of breathing in smoke but there are no other reported injuries, the ambulance service has said.
The EFL said it was "monitoring the situation" with the Saints due to host Preston at 19:45 GMT.
Image source, Hampshire and Isle of WIght Fire and Rescue Servic
Image caption,The fire service confirmed it had multiple crews on site to tackle the blaze
A cordon has been put in place in the area by emergency services.
A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed additional fire engines were heading to the scene, taking the total to 18. They added the fire currently involved four industrial units.
Watch: Drone video shows smoke over city
People in the area have been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke from the fire which broke out just after 13:00 GMT.
Some roads have also been closed, with motorists asked to avoid the area "to allow movements of emergency vehicles", Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said.
Smoke has been seen "pouring over the north stand" of St Mary's Stadium, BBC reporter Curtis Lancaster said
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said it was assisting with road closures.
A statement from South Central Ambulance Service said one patient had been treated for minor smoke inhalation at the scene.
The service said it would "remain on standby" and had a hazardous area response team on site, a tactical advisor and ambulance crews working with police and fire.
The fire broke out just after 13:00
BBC reporter Indy Almroth-Wright described the blaze as "immense" and said "pops" could be heard.
She said the roof of the warehouse had completely collapsed and all of the windows were blown out, with flames coming out of the gaps.
Hundreds of pallets are piled around the edges that are not yet affected by the blaze. Fork-lift trucks are being used to move them away from the area, she added.
People have been posting videos on social media showing thick black smoke rising into the sky
The BBC's Curtis Lancaster said smoke was "pouring over the north stand" of St Mary's Stadium.
"Crowds of staff from the stadium have made their way outside and there was a loudspeaker announcement telling people to evacuate the stadium after an emergency situation," he added.
Image source, Helen Gallimore
Image caption,BBC Weather Watcher Helen Gallimore captured this view of the fire from across the River Itchen
The BBC has contacted Southampton for comment on whether their Championship game against Preston North End will go ahead.
A spokesperson for the EFL said: "We're closely monitoring the situation and will advise once a decision is made."
Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.
Related Internet Links
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
English (US) ·