Portsmouth fire: Car repair garage owner 'sick as a pig' after workshop 'flattened' in blaze

Trevor Byng, 46, told The News the blaze erupted in the kitchen at his Byngs Auto workshop in Goldsmith Avenue, Southsea, this morning at around 10.07am.

More than 40 firefighters were called in to tackle the fire but his garage has been left ‘flat’.

Mr Byng, who previously worked out of a garage closer to Lidl, said: ‘All we know is the fire started in the kitchen and the fire brigade were called.

‘It’s a complete rebuild – it’s flat.

‘I’m sick as a pig to be honest. It’s 30 years of working (hard) and it’s all not there.

‘You just have to pick yourself up and go again.

‘I will pick my tools up and work from home if I have to – we’ve still got to earn a living.’

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People evacuated from Orchard Road, Southsea, have been sent to Priory School’s sports centre.

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‘I’ll do as much as I can so we don’t have to claim as much from the insurance.’

The blaze started in the kitchen and spread to the workshop including cars on site.

Firefighters had to remove several cylinders from the blaze. No-one was injured.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service statement said: ‘Nearby residents are urged to keep windows closed and avoid the area as fire engines from Southsea, Cosham, Portchester, Havant, Fareham, Emsworth, Horndean and Waterlooville are currently on the scene.

‘The blaze in the kitchen area spread to the workshop involving cars, with firefighters working to remove several cylinders from the fire.

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‘Several roads in the area have been closed, with residents of Orchard Road evacuated as a precaution.

‘South Central Ambulance Service paramedics are also in attendance, but fortunately no casualties have been reported.

‘Firefighters are also working alongside Hampshire Police, Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Water to resolve the incident.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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