Eleven people and several cats were rushed to safety after a fierce fire erupted in a ground-floor flat in Bitterne, Southampton. Smoke quickly filled the stairwell, forcing firefighters to evacuate the entire four-storey building.
Resident Hospitalised After Blaze
The flat’s occupant, a 71-year-old woman, was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation but her injuries are not life-threatening. Three other residents received on-scene treatment for smoke inhalation.
Cats Rescued and Checked by Specialists
An animal rescue expert attended to the cats, ensuring they were safe and providing advice for their care. Meanwhile, fire crews from Hightown and St Mary’s battled the blaze with hoses and used fans to clear the toxic smoke.
Blaze Started on Kitchen Cooker
Investigators confirmed the fire began on the cooker in the flat’s kitchen, sparking a swift emergency response that averted a worse disaster.
