Portsmouth high-rise evacuated as fire crews rush to the scene of a blaze
Fire crews from across the area rushed to the scene of a blaze in a high-rise building in Portsmouth this morning.
Residents of Brunel House in The Hard were forced to evacuate as the sprinkler system was set off at around 1.40am on Friday, February 13. The cause of the fire was a charging electric bike set alight near the top of the building.
The fire service were quickly in attendance to extinguish the fire while the street was cordoned off. A resident told The News that the majority of people were able to return to the building at around 4am. However, a rest centre was set up by the fire service for those residing on the affected floors.
A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “The fire, which was caused by a charging electric bicycle, is now out. Three individuals are being assessed by ambulance crews, and firefighters remain in the building to undertake ventilation of affected areas.
“Crews from Southsea, Cosham, Fareham and Portchester attended, and were able to quickly extinguish the blaze. The building’s sprinkler system activated, which helped to control the fire.
“We will shortly be scaling back the number of crews that are on scene. A rest centre has been set up for residents on affected floors.”