Major emergency response descends on street after flat fire

Fire, police and ambulance services attended a high rise building in Centenary Plaza after reports of smoke on the fifth floor at around 2.15pm on Saturday, May 16.

John Thornycroft Road in Woolston was closed as multiple crews attended the scene and a fire and rescue service cordon was placed around the building.

Police and ambulance services were at the incident. (Image: Lucy Blackmur)

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: “On arrival it was confirmed that there was a fire within an apartment on the fifth floor.

 “Firefighters have evacuated the fifth and sixth floor of the building.

“The fire is now out and firefighters are using ventilation to clear smoke from the affected areas.

 “We ask that people avoid the area while emergency services remain in attendance at the incident.”

One witness to the scene said: “I’m only here because I'm in the car park, so I can't get back to my car. 

“I think the fire was out quite quickly.

Emergency services were called to a flat fire in Woolston. (Image: Lucy Blackmur)

She said she spoke to the police, but they are unsure about when she will be allowed to return to their car.

The witness added: “They don’t know, they said it could be a while because of the investigation.”

Four ambulances and four police cars were spotted by a witness at the scene, as well as six fire engines, an incident command unit and multiple command support vans.

Naomi Kramer, 16, said: “Earlier, all I hear is the fire trucks and the ambulances.”

She said that she came down to the scene to find out what had happened. 

She added: “All I know is that it’s quite crazy right now.

“I think something happened with the building and also the car park. 

“They’re spraying water in the car park.

“Obviously, it’s really scary, I ran straight down, as you can imagine, because even if it’s across the road, it can spread. 

“I think it’s frustrating for everyone, even the police and fire and stuff.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue services. (Image: Lucy Blackmur)

Dom, general manager at Mettricks café, said they had to evacuate at about half two.

He said: “It’s frustrating, but it’s a necessary evil to make sure everyone is safe."

He said a member of the fire services told them they could return at about half three.