Firefighters called to 'large house fire' in Portsmouth - and ask people to avoid the area

More than 20 firefighters were called to the fire which involved the first floor and roof of a house in Sea View Road, Drayton, Portsmouth.

There were numerous 999 calls from concerned members of the public as smoke billowed out across the neighbourhood at around 2.40pm today.

Fire engines from Cosham, Havant and Portchester were on scene, along with Southsea’s aerial ladder to fight the fire from above, and a command support vehicle from Eastleigh. On their arrival the building was well alight, and the fire had spread into the roof space.

Crews wore breathing apparatus and used jets to surround the fire and dampen down.

The roof of the large family home was gutted by the fire and extensive damage to the property was visible from the roadside.

A call was put out on Twitter by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire Control to avoid the area if possible. Near-by residents were allowed to remain in their homes but were advised to close doors and windows.

Police closed the road at the junction of Uplands Road and Portsdown Avenue to allow the firefighters to do their jobs without interruption and prevent the public from being harmed.

They were also stopping vehicles from heading further north than the junction of Solent Road and Portsdown Avenue.

No-one was at home at the time of the incident and no-one was hurt.

Firefighters carried out salvage work to save what they could in the way of personal items from the property.

It is believed the home’s owners were away on holiday at the time. A family member has been contacted to get in touch with them.

The stop message was received shortly after 6pm.

It is not yet known what caused the blaze. Fire investigators will now visit the scene in an attempt to try and establish what started it.