A “HUGE amount of smoke” was seen billowing from buildings near a town high street as owners worried their businesses would be destroyed.
Firefighters from six stations raced to the blaze on Hanns Way, Eastleigh late on Monday after the fire spread to the roof of a nearby business.
Closing off the High Street, crews used breathing apparatus, hoses, and an aerial ladder to extinguish the inferno.
Business owners say the fire started in a shelter behind vacant premises where people have been “sleeping rough”.
It then spread to the roof of that shelter and onto the loft area of The Chalet next door.
Sukhdev Raj, owner of RJS Convenience Store, told the Echo: “I went out the back and noticed the fire engine. There was a huge amount of smoke.
“I could see that the fire brigade had rescued one person that was sitting on the steps.
“We’re an adjoined building so we had to make sure the fire wasn’t likely to spread.
“Apparently there is a problem with homeless people in the back who had been reported to the council.”
He added that he was “concerned and worried” the fire could spread.
Firefighters gained access to The Chalet, which has been closed, in a bid to fight the flames.
A gaping hole has now been left in the roof with tiles displaced around the damaged area.
More burns could be found in the shelter where the blaze is believed to have started including destroyed duvets and other items.
Another owner of a nearby business said they got a phone call at about 7.30pm to warn them.
After driving to the site, they discovered their business “totally smoke-filled” and have since kept all the doors and windows open to clear it away.
They said: “We’re trying to clear it out. I was here until 11.20pm last night.
“All my fire alarms were going. The shop was filled with smoke.
“It is just awful. It shouldn’t have got this far. Luckily, we have still got a shop standing.”
One owner said the fire was started so people in the shelter could keep warm.
Police say however that the cause is unknown and are asking anyone with information to call them on 101 quoting 44230051262.
A spokesperson said officers attended to help firefighters after being called after 8pm.
READ MORE:
- Eastleigh fire: Photos show extent of damage at The Chalet
- Eastleigh: Six fire crews called to fire in the High Street
- WATCH: Firefighters called to property blaze in Eastleigh
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service added: “Crews from Eastleigh, Hightown, Southsea, Botley, Redbridge and St Mary’s attended a fire at a commercial property on Eastleigh High Street.
“The fire was believed to have started in an adjoining bin store and spread to the roof of property, with smoke reaching the first floor.
“Thankfully, all persons were accounted for.
“A reinspection is due during the night to monitor. Crews provided a stop message at 22.52”
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