Fire at Canberra Towers in Weston, Southampton

The blaze broke out at Canberra Towers in Weston around 8.30am today.

Firefighters used six sets of breathing apparatus, three main jets and an aerial ladder platform to tackle the fire, which broke out in a tumble dryer on the seventh floor of the 24-storey block of flats.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze just over an hour after they were called.

The building did not have to be evacuated during the blaze, say Hampshire Fire and Rescue.

Now a fire commander has praised the impact of the tower's retro-fitted sprinkler system, which kept the fire under control and enabled crews to tackle the fire as quickly as possible.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue's Head of Operations Rob Cole said: “The incredible impact of sprinklers was again demonstrated in the tackling of this fire.

“The system kept the fire itself under control and prevented it spreading while enabling our crews to tackle the fire quickly and safely.

“Having sprinklers installed is like having a firefighter in every room.

"No residents needed to be evacuated and the stay put policy worked exactly as it should.”

Seven fire engines attended the fire from Hightown, St Mary’s, Redbridge, Hamble and Eastleigh.

More to follow...