Fire Near Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium Forces Match Postponement

• By Sue Paz & Emily Ford & Michael Stoddard
• BBC News

6 March 2024, 13:39 GMT

Updated 29 minutes ago

Video caption,

Watch: Fire rips through building near football stadium

A major fire near Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium has resulted in their Championship match against Preston being called off.

A smoke plume can be seen in the area coming from industrial units on Marine Parade.

One person has been treated for the effects of breathing in smoke but there are no other reported injuries, the ambulance service has said.

Saints were due to host Preston North End at 19:45 GMT.

Image source, Hampshire and Isle of WIght Fire and Rescue Servic

Image caption,

The fire service confirmed it had multiple crews on site to tackle the blaze

A cordon has been put in place in the area by emergency services.

A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed additional fire engines were heading to the scene, taking the total to 18. They added the fire currently involved four industrial units.

Video caption,

Watch: Drone video shows smoke over city

People in the area have been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke from the fire which broke out just after 13:00 GMT.

Some roads have also been closed, with motorists asked to avoid the area “to allow movements of emergency vehicles”, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said.

Image caption,

Smoke has been seen “pouring over the north stand” of St Mary’s Stadium, BBC reporter Curtis Lancaster said

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said it was assisting with road closures.

A statement from South Central Ambulance Service said one patient had been treated for minor smoke inhalation at the scene.

The service said it would “remain on standby” and had a hazardous area response team on site, a tactical advisor and ambulance crews working with police and fire.

Image caption,

The fire broke out just after 13:00

Southampton FC announced the postponement of the match on X.

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A spokesperson for the EFL previously said it had been “closely monitoring the situation”.

BBC reporter Indy Almroth-Wright described the blaze as “immense” and said “pops” could be heard.

She said the roof of the warehouse had completely collapsed and all of the windows were blown out, with flames coming out of the gaps.

Hundreds of pallets are piled around the edges that are not yet affected by the blaze. Fork-lift trucks are being used to move them away from the area, she added.

Video caption,

People have been posting videos on social media showing thick black smoke rising into the sky

The BBC’s Curtis Lancaster said smoke was “pouring over the north stand” of St Mary’s Stadium.

“Crowds of staff from the stadium have made their way outside and there was a loudspeaker announcement telling people to evacuate the stadium after an emergency situation,” he added.

Image caption,

A cordon has been put in place

2024-03-06 16:24:05
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