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Fire breaks out at Southampton fireworks store | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A huge blaze broke out at a shop, setting off dozens of fireworks stored inside. | |
Explosives lit up the sky and loud bangs were heard as the fire took hold at 05:00 BST on Bitterne Road West. | |
Homes and properties within 100 metres (328ft) of the fire on the site of the Southern Fireworks Factory and the Flower Factory were evacuated. | |
More than 70 firefighters in 13 engines and support vehicles helped bring the blaze under control. | |
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said no-one was injured. | |
At the height of the blaze, a plume of black smoke billowed over the area. | |
Resident Jill Sainsbury said she heard an "almighty bang" and saw different colours appear in the sky at around 05:00. | Resident Jill Sainsbury said she heard an "almighty bang" and saw different colours appear in the sky at around 05:00. |
She said: "We thought it was coming from the river until we saw a massive plume of smoke coming from the Fireworks Factory near the Flower Factory. | |
"The fireworks had been going off for at least an hour - it has stopped now - but certainly the plume of smoke is still pouring over the river and the city." | "The fireworks had been going off for at least an hour - it has stopped now - but certainly the plume of smoke is still pouring over the river and the city." |
Ryan Gregory, who lives nearby, said he initially thought the bangs were gunshots. | |
He said: "I looked out of my window to see there was a lot of smoke. Immediately I knew it was from the Firework Factory, but I didn't expect it to go up in the blaze that it did." | |
The A3024 Bitterne Road West and and Bitterne Bridge have been closed in both directions while firefighters deal with the blaze. | |
Southampton City Council said it had lifted the toll on the Itchen Bridge until the road reopens. | |
The authority said the road closures were expected to remain in place throughout the day. | |
Southern Water also warned the considerable use of hydrants in the area had left some residents with poor pressure or temporary loss of their water supply. | |
Bitterne Manor Primary School on Quayside Road has also been closed. | Bitterne Manor Primary School on Quayside Road has also been closed. |
A rest centre has been set up at the Ascension Centre in Thorold Road for 60 residents who have had to leave their homes. |