AROUND 1,500 tonnes of scrap metal went up in flames during a fire at Southampton Docks, the fire service has said.

Fire crews were called to Western Avenue at around 8pm on Friday night as a huge blaze could be seen from across the city.

But now a spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has revealed the extent of the incident.

READ MORE: Southampton scrapyard fire ‘scaled back’ with crews remaining at the scene

They said: “The fire began late yesterday evening and involved 1,500 tonnes of scrap metal and other waste material.

“13 crews from across the service were in attendance to deal with the incident - compressed air foams solution and 6 jets were used to contain the fire.

"The stop message came in at 00:46.”

The fire started at around 7.50pm and was brought under control by around 10.30pm. 

The fire service remained on site along with operators from recycling company S Norton and Co Ltd to ensure all the burning material had been extinguished.

Daily Echo: Western Avenue scrapyard fire ‘scaled back’ with crews remaining at the sceneWestern Avenue scrapyard fire ‘scaled back’ with crews remaining at the scene (Image: Paige Lovelan)

The recycling firm said the "small fire in a stockpile of unprocessed scrap" broke out at its Southampton site.

It added that nobody was injured in the blaze and there was "minimal damage". 

It told the Echo: "We would also like to apologise to our neighbours and the general public for any disruption this incident may have caused.

“At each stage we followed our Emergency Action Plan, which was quickly implemented, and the fire was handled promptly and professionally.

"We wish to thank all concerned including the Fire Service, ABP, Solent Stevedores and S. Norton's own staff for their response to this incident.

“We will now be working closely with the relevant bodies to investigate the cause of this fire.

"In the meantime, we can assure the public, our neighbours and our supply chain that we have taken all reasonable actions to continue to operate safely and recycle responsibly, and that our facilities are open as usual.

“This incident, which follows similar incidents in the recycling industry as a whole, is a stark reminder of the significant hazards created by placing hazardous materials, e.g. lithium-ion batteries, in the incorrect waste stream."