Cats die in Portsmouth basement flat blaze

Portsmouth firefighters were called to a basement flat blaze shortly before 7pm yesterday evening.

Crews from Southsea, Cosham and Portchester were called to the three-storey property on Queens Road in Fratton at 18:58, finding a well-developed fire upon arrival.

The electricity company was requested to isolate the power supply, and the British Red Cross were required to attend to assist residents.

Three cats sadly died in the fire which was stopped by firefighters using eight sets of breathing apparatus, three hose reels, three jets and ventilation fans to clear smoke.

Crews conducted Safe and Well visits at the other flats, which had been evacuated during the fire.

The stop message came in at 20:45, with the property requiring boarding up.

One crew returned overnight to conduct a reinspection, checking for remaining hotspots.​