WATCH: Firefighters tackle blaze at The Bridge Tavern in Old Portsmouth as pub thanks customers for support

A popular Old Portsmouth pub has thanked the fire service after it managed to contain a fire to its decking area meaning it can stay open.

Firefighters responded to reports of a fire at The Bridge Tavern on East Street in Portsmouth at around 5am on Saturday, July 11. Footage from Portsmouth Harbour Photography is embedded in this article showing smoke rising above Camber Docks as fire crews respond to the emergency.

Fortunately firefighters were able to prevent the fire spreading to the building with the pub open as normal.

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The Bridge Tavern posted on social media: “In the early hours of this morning we experienced a fire on the small decking area outside our venue The Bridge Tavern. First and foremost everyone is safe and thankfully no one was injured. The damage was limited to the outside decking area.

“At this stage we do not know what caused the fire but we are incredibly grateful that our team who responded so quickly and that Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service acted swiftly to bring the situation under control preventing what could have been a far more serious incident.

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to both our team and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service for their professionalism and rapid response.

“Following inspections we have been given the all-clear and are pleased to confirm that we will be open as normal today. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you.”

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service have said the cause of the fire was likely from discarded smoking materials and has issued advice on how to safely dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials.