A LARGE fire that ripped through a building left residents struggling to breathe.
The blaze broke out in a basement in a Northam Road property this morning.
Over 30 firefighters were called to the scene to tackle the fire which forced residents from their homes.
Mohammed Chakkidarmbam, 21, lives above the basement flat.
He said: “I was sleeping and I woke up from the smoke downstairs.
“I woke up and I couldn’t breathe and I looked downstairs and saw it.
READ MORE: Live updates - Firefighters called to property blaze
“I think everyone is fine at the moment, I don’t know anything about any damage."
Police shut the street between St Mary’s Street and Northam Bridge to prevent access to the site.
This includes residents who live in the road.
Sandra Shivon, who lives above the affected basement, detailed the moment she was told to evacuate.
The 23-year-old said: "I’ve just come back from my night shift and we were told that there is a fire and we have to evacuate.
READ NEXT: Major road closed by police as 35 firefighters tackle basement blaze
"We were told to stay out until we are allowed back in."
She described the scene as "mad" and is fearful that she has lost all her belongings.
She said: "I think everything in my house and the basement is destroyed."
Crews from St Mary’s, Hightown, Eastleigh and Hamble were first called at 8.21am this morning.
The fire spread from the basement to the ground and first floors.
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