FIRE CREWS rushed to battle a large blaze on an industrial estate in Southampton.

Four engines and around 30 firefighters battled the fire after a stack of pallets, tyres and cylinders caught alight in Northam Road.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services received the emergency call at around 9.15am on Friday after a member of public spotted thick black smoke billowing across the city skyline.

Crews from St Mary’s, Hightown, Redbridge and Eastleigh were at the scene for most of the morning and finally put out the fire at around 11.18am.

With smoke visible in Hythe, firemen remained on the scene monitoring the situation and keeping the area safe.

No other emergency services were present, but Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) were asked to attend after reports an electric pylon had caught alight.

It was later revealed by Openreach that “limited” damage was done to a telephone pole.

An Openreach spokesperson said: “Our engineers are working to put a temporary solution in place following damage to a small part of our network on Friday.

“Work will continue throughout the weekend with a new pole and replacement cables due to arrive next week.

“Anyone experiencing issues with their telephone and broadband connection should report it to their service provider as this will make sure it’s recorded and tasked to an engineer.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “If you live or work nearby keep your windows and doors closed. About 30 firefighters are now on the scene of the Northam Fire. Appliances from St Mary’s, Redbridge, Hightown and Eastleigh are in attendance at a fire in the open near Northam Bridge, also liaising with SSE.”

An investigation is underway into the cause of the fire.