Crews tackle Portswood flat blaze

*UPDATE 15:00*

One flat has been destroyed in the fire which caused smoke damage to the three remaining flats on the third floor.

Firefighters worked to protect the contents of the building’s ground, first and second floors.

Crews will return later to conduct a reinspection and check for remaining hotspots.

*UPDATE 13:30*

Crews are checking for fire spread from the third-floor blaze.

The incident command unit from HQ, along with the aerial ladder platform is in attendance.

The gas and electric supply to the building has been isolated.

The incident is now being scaled down with a number of fire engines leaving the scene.

Fire Investigation Officers are set to attend to ascertain the cause.

We were first called at 11.19am to a flat fire on Portswood Road, Southampton.

Smoke was issuing when firefighters first arrived on scene, with residents already evacuated.

We have firefighters on the scene from St Mary’s, Hightown, Eastleigh, Redbridge, Fareham, Winchester, Hamble, Cosham and Lyndhurst.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus are using hose reel jets to tackle the flames, and ventilation fans to clear the smoke.