Man Rescued From Flat Fire In Southampton

Around 60 firefighters have tackled a serious fire at flats in Southampton.

At 12:35 on Saturday 4th June 2011, firecrews were called to a flat fire at Jackmans Close in Woolston.  Crews from Hightown, Redbridge and St Mary’s Fire Station were sent to the scene.

Control operators mobilised ten fire appliances as well as the aerial ladder platform from Redbridge and the special equipment unit from St Mary’s Fire Station. 

The Incident Command Unit and Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS) vehicle were also mobilised from Service Headquarters in Eastleigh.

The fire had started in a flat on the second floor and a man, thought to be in his 60s, was rescued using a ladder. He suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital by South Central Ambulance Service.

Group Manager Stew Adamson, Officer in Charge said:

“On arrival, the initial crews were faced with a fire on the second floor of the building with a large amount of smoke. 

"Due to the swift action and coordinated approach the crews were able to prevent any significant spread to nearby flats and other businesses. 

"In a relatively short period of time, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service were able to liaise with the police and residents to ensure their safety. 

"This would have no doubt been a much more serious incident had it not been for everyone’s hard work”.

"Our main priority was to stop the spread of fire and ensure everyone was accounted for as well as protecting other residents.  As a precaution local residents in nearby flats were evacuated."

An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire.