A DRUNKEN Southampton man sparked a major fire operation after he fell asleep in his flat while cooking.

More than 25 firefighters from across Southampton were called to International Way, Weston , at 2.06am this morning after neighbours in the Rotterdam Towers smelt burning.

On arrival at the high-rise they discovered that a man in a fifth floor flat has dozed off while cooking, having been drinking during the night.

Luckily, he had woken up by the time the crews from Hightown, Redbridge , St Mary’s and Botley arrived and was able to stop the burning before a fire had the chance to start.

Firefighters are now urging residents not to cook while under the influence of alcohol.