Portsmouth fire: Recap updates as major fire in Goldsmith Avenue, Southsea causes residents to be evacuated and road closures

Residents who were evacuated after a fire in Portsmouth have been allowed to return home,
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The fire has happened at a car repair workshop in Goldsmith Avenue in Southsea at around 10am this morning and more than 40 firefighters are attending the scene.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue have said: ‘More than 40 firefighters are currently at the scene of a large fire in Goldsmith Avenue, Portsmouth.

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‘Please avoid the area to allow our emergency crews access.’

Firefighters in Goldsmiths Ave, Southsea. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 280421-19)Firefighters in Goldsmiths Ave, Southsea. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 280421-19)
Firefighters in Goldsmiths Ave, Southsea. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (jpns 280421-19)

Police have said that a road closure is in place.

Residents in Orchard Road were evacuated earlier and taken to the sports centre at nearby Priory School.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue have said that the evacuees can now return home.

A fire has broken out in Goldsmith Avenue, Southsea in Portsmouth on April 28. Picture: Stuart VaizeyA fire has broken out in Goldsmith Avenue, Southsea in Portsmouth on April 28. Picture: Stuart Vaizey
A fire has broken out in Goldsmith Avenue, Southsea in Portsmouth on April 28. Picture: Stuart Vaizey
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The fire service said: ‘Evacuated residents are able to return to their homes, having been supported by Hampshire police and emergency planning teams.’

Pictures show large plumes of smoke in the sky – which were visible from the ferry to the Isle of Wight.

We will bring you all the latest updates in our live blog below.

A fire has broken out in Goldsmith Avenue, Portsmouth, on April 28. Piicture: Pearl DavisonA fire has broken out in Goldsmith Avenue, Portsmouth, on April 28. Piicture: Pearl Davison
A fire has broken out in Goldsmith Avenue, Portsmouth, on April 28. Piicture: Pearl Davison

Stick with us throughout the morning for all the coverage.

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We have a reporter Neil Fatkin and photographer down at the scene this morning – they will bring you all the updates and reaction.

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Recap updates as firefighters battled blaze in Portsmouth

Key Events

  • Fire is in Goldsmith Avenue, Southsea
  • More than 40 firefighters attending
  • Homes evacuated in the area

Follow all the updates in our live blog

We will bring you all the updates in our live blog this morning.

Huge number of sirens heard in Fratton Road

Fire engines have been seen in Fratton Road this morning.

10 fire engines attending the scene

Residents advised to avoid the area around Goldsmith Avenue

Footage shows scale of emergency service response this morning

Watch dramatic footage of the fire in Portsmouth

A fire has broken out in Goldsmith Avenue near Orchard Road. Picture: Marion CooperA fire has broken out in Goldsmith Avenue near Orchard Road. Picture: Marion Cooper
A fire has broken out in Goldsmith Avenue near Orchard Road. Picture: Marion Cooper

‘Sound of something exploding’

One witness told The News that it is ‘very smoky’ in the area around the fire.

Pearl Davison said: ‘The plumes are very much still evident and there was, earlier, the sound of something exploding.

‘Very, very smoky indoors and out in the area.’

Road closure in place in Goldsmith Avenue

Hampshire Constabulary have released a statement.

A force spokesman said:We are currently on scene assisting@HampshireIOWFireServicewith a fire on Goldsmith Avenue.

‘A road closure has been put in place to assist them as they work.The road is closed from Victoria Road North, until the junction with Fernhurst Road.

‘Orchard Road has been evacuated as a precaution.We would ask you to avoid the area, and thank you for your patience.’

Fire was at a car repair workshop in Goldsmith Avenue

Homes have been evacuated in the area

A fire has broken out in Goldsmith Avenue, Southsea, Portsmouth, on April 28. Picture: Chris MoorhouseA fire has broken out in Goldsmith Avenue, Southsea, Portsmouth, on April 28. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
A fire has broken out in Goldsmith Avenue, Southsea, Portsmouth, on April 28. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

Residents in Orchard Road have been evacuated, police have said.

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