Two fires break out in Portsmouth on one evening after warning from firefighters

Two fires broke out across Portsmouth yesterday evening as the heat wave continued to bite.

While temperatures have eased off today (Sunday, August 16), the start of the weekend saw temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius - with the drought also still ongoing.

In a week where a wildfire has raged through the New Forest, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham has banned the sale of disposable barbecues, firefighters have warned people in Portsmouth and the surrounding area not to do anything that could risk a fire starting.

But yesterday evening, a pair of blazes erupted throughout the city - at almost the exact same time, forcing quick-thinking from both the fire service and residents.

The first incident broke out in Northarbour Road, at the junction with Cow Lane. The fire was captured by passers-by at 7.20pm, depicting a caravan ablaze, with smoke visible from the top of Portsdown Hill.

The second incident took place in Eastney, at roughly a similar time. Here, residents were seen tackling a grass fire, with their efforts being captured by My Portsmouth By Drone.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted to a vehicle fire in Northarbour Road, Cosham, just after 7pm yesterday. The fire originated in a caravan, and then spread to two further vehicles and some trees and shrubs.

“Three fire engines attended, with firefighters from Cosham and Portchester using breathing apparatus and hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. The fire was quickly extinguished, and the stop message was issued at 7.40pm.

“An outdoor fire broke out shortly before 6pm in Ferry Road. Residents were able to extinguish the flames, which affected an area of approximately 4x10m. Firefighters from Southsea damped down the ground and monitored for hotspots to prevent re-ignition, and returned to station at approximately 6.40pm.”

Issuing a warning about fires this weekend, a spokesperson previously said: “Disposable BBQs are just one potential ignition source, during periods of hot and dry weather, any heat source has the potential to start a fire.

“Just a single discarded cigarette or sunlight reflecting through a glass bottle can quickly escalate into a serious wildfire, causing significant damage to wildlife and the countryside, putting lives at risk, and placing further pressure on already stretched emergency services.”