Hampshire firefighters battle Shirley building blaze

More than 70 firefighters from across Hampshire tackled a large fire near Shirley High Street.Just before 6pm yesterday evening crews from Redbridge, St Mary?s, Hightown, Romsey, Totton, Fareham, Lyndhurst, Botley, Winchester, Eastleigh, Hythe, Lymington and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Victor Street in Southampton.On arrival they found a disused social club well alight before using breathing apparatus, jets, hose reels and the aerial ladder platform to stop the fire spreading to further buildings. The public were asked to avoid the area and residents asked to keep windows and doors closed as HFRS worked alongside partner agencies including Hampshire Constabulary, South Central Ambulance Service, Southern Water and the Environment Agency.No casualties were involved in the blaze but the thick smoke led to nearby road closures and a cordon put in place. Shortly after 9pm firefighters had successfully surrounded the fire and began damping down. The incident was then scaled down from the 14-pumps it reached at its height. HFRS continue to have a presence on the scene following the stop message at 02:09 with relief crews remaining to ensure there are no further hotspots.