Blaze guts former Blockbuster-turned-grocery store in Southampton
A fierce fire tore through the old Blockbuster video shop, now Lanka Xpress grocery on Shirley High Street, Southampton, last night. Hampshire Fire and Rescue were scrambled just before 8.30pm.
Four-hour battle to tame roaring flames
Crews fought the inferno for a relentless four hours before finally bringing it under control. Eight fire engines and two command vehicles were deployed to the scene, unleashing their full force against the blaze.
Firefighters used cutting-edge Ultra-High Pressure Lances (UHPL), specialist ventilation tactics, and an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) to attack the fire from all angles. Teams donned 16 sets of breathing apparatus and battled the first-floor blaze with three hose reels and five jets.
Old Blockbuster shop and flats badly damaged
The terraced building, once a familiar Blockbuster outlet with flats above, has suffered significant fire and smoke damage across both floors. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Fire crews from across Hampshire pitch in
Firefighters from Redbridge, St Mary’s, Eastleigh, Hightown, Botley, Portchester, and Eastleigh HQ all rushed to the scene. A full investigation is now underway to determine the fire’s cause.
