Fire breaks out in Portsmouth amid excitement over England's rugby world cup victory

A FIRE broke out in a Portsmouth tower block yesterday, while the inhabitants of the home involved continued watching England’s rugby win.
The incident took place yesterday morningThe incident took place yesterday morning
The incident took place yesterday morning

Firefighters from across Portsmouth were called to Pickwick House in Wingfield Street, Buckland, at 11.26am yesterday to a kitchen fire started after food was left unattended.

According to crew manager Stephen Alchin from Cosham Fire Station, the inhabitants forgot about the cooking because of the excitement of yesterday’s rugby match between England and New Zealand, which ended with an English victory.

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England beat New Zealand 19-7 in the Rugby World Cup. Picture: Ashley Western/PA WireEngland beat New Zealand 19-7 in the Rugby World Cup. Picture: Ashley Western/PA Wire
England beat New Zealand 19-7 in the Rugby World Cup. Picture: Ashley Western/PA Wire

He said: ‘Crews from Cosham, Portchester and Waterlooville were called to the scene, along with an ALP from Southsea.

‘It was a fire on the 11th floor of the building caused by cooking left by the distraction of the rugby.

‘The cooking caught fire and caused substantial damage to the oven and ceiling above.’

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After the incident, one male was checked over for smoke inhalation by South Central Ambulance Service.

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