Fire crews from eight stations battle blaze at 'large incident' at Portsmouth shop

Firefighters from eight stations raced to Stevens Washrooms on Burrfields Road just before 8pm – with an eyewitness revealing several gas bottles were spotted outside.

Aerial ladders were used by firefighters as they attempt to bring the inferno under control.

An ambulance was at the scene but no one was injured, it has been reported.

Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service Control posted on Twitter: ‘Please avoid this area if possible to give our crews the best access. We have a large attendance at this incident, so would be appreciated.’

Eyewitness Stuart Vaizey, 36, was passing the area when he suddenly heard a commotion.

‘I heard a lot of sirens and went over to the scene where there were quite a few fire engines,’ he said.

‘The fire was inside and there was thick black smoke coming out the top of the building and smoke billowing out the side.

‘No one was in the building but the keyholder to the building and a colleague were there.’

Mr Vaizey also said he was ‘surprised’ not to see any police on scene managing the area with the build-up of fire engines on the street. ‘There’s nearly been a few crashes where cars have been coming down the street,’ he said.

‘I’m surprised there are no police here, at least to manage the traffic.’

Fire crews from Cosham, Southsea, Wickham, St Mary’s, Eastleigh, Havant, Emsworth and Redbridge attended.

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