Fifty Firefighters Battle Fierce Blaze at Former Blockbuster in Southampton
Chaos erupted last night as a massive fire tore through the ex-Blockbuster video shop on Shirley High Street, now Lanka Xpress grocery store.
Huge Firefront Sparks Major Response
Hampshire Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene just before 8.30pm, deploying eight fire engines and two command vehicles. A total of fifty firefighters fought the flames for four intense hours to bring the inferno under control.
Cutting-Edge Gear and Tactics in Action
Crews used new Ultra-High Pressure Lances (UHPL) and advanced ventilation techniques to battle the fire. An Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) tackled the blaze from above, while firefighters in 16 sets of breathing apparatus operated three hose reels and five jets to tackle the first-floor inferno.
Building Devastated but No Injuries
The terraced building – once a Blockbuster with flats above – suffered severe fire and smoke damage on both floors. Thankfully, no one was injured. Fire crews from multiple stations including Redbridge, St Mary’s, Eastleigh, Hightown, Botley, and Portchester joined the fight.
Investigation Underway
Police and fire officials will launch an investigation to uncover the cause of the blaze that has left the community shocked.
