West End Road in Southampton blocked after fire

Thick black smoke billowed across the Harefield ward of the city when a fire broke out at a property off West End Road.

West End Road was blocked off earlier today.

Firefighters raced to tackle the blaze on Sunday morning and a roadblock was put in place near the junction of Wynter Road.

The fire tore through multiple buildings including a garage, summer house and two wooden sheds.

According to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, an electricity substation was also damaged.

The electricity supply was later isolated leaving many homes without power.

One resident told a Daily Echo reporter at the scene how he saw flames at least “16 feet high” looming above neighbouring properties. And how the fire “took out” a large fir tree.

The fire broke out at around 10.30am

Another woman reported hearing shouting and seeing smoke from her window.

Despite disrupting traffic and electricity, neither people nor animals were injured.

Resident, Loretta White, said: “There were really big flames. They were huge.”

The 53-year-old carer praised the crews who brought the fire under control and described how they had been busy all morning.

She added: “There was lots of smoke. It was quite frightening.”

Firefighters from Hightown, St Mary’s, Eastleigh and Redbridge Fire Stations were all called to assist.

Hightown Fire Station commander, Paul Lawler said: “At about 10.30am we were called to a fire at the cattery.

“When we arrived, the fire was well alight.

“Three outbuildings have been destroyed. We are not sure what the cause is, but a fire investigation team is on the scene. Nobody was hurt or no animals. No houses were involved.

“It has been confirmed that an electrical substation was damaged.

"The power supply has been isolated; however, power company engineers are working in the area."

Aerial photos taken using a drone showed smoke pouring from the back garden of the address once used to home cats.

The Daily Echo has contacted SSE for comment.