Pictures show scene of Portsmouth tower block fire amid huge emergency service response

Residents of Brunel House in The Hard were forced to flee the building after the sprinkler system was set off at around 1.40am today (Friday, February 13) after a fire erupted. The blaze started after a charging electric bike caught alight near the top of the building.

A raft of fire engines, police and ambulances, as well as an incident response vehicle, attended the incident as a cordon blocked off the road. Residents had to camp outside until a rest centre was set up.

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.”

See pictures below from the incident.