This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-36283943

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Fire breaks out at Southampton fireworks store Fire breaks out at Southampton fireworks store
(about 1 hour later)
A huge blaze broke out at a shop, setting off dozens of fireworks stored inside. A huge blaze broke out at a shop in Southampton, 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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."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.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.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.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.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.A rest centre has been set up at the Ascension Centre in Thorold Road for 60 residents who have had to leave their homes.