WATCH: Fire at high-rise building in Portsmouth sees massive emergency service response

The footage shows evacuated residents of Brunel House in The Hard camped by a cordon where multiple fire engines and police vehicles are situated.

People were forced to flee the building after the sprinkler system was set off at around 1.40am today (Friday, February 13). The cause of the fire was a charging electric bike set alight near the top of the building.

Fire crews quickly put out the fire while three people were checked by paramedics. 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.”