Living on the Southampton road plagued by serious fires

Bitterne Road West has seen at least three major fires in just 15 months - with two homes burnt out and an industrial unit ablaze.

Adam and Brenda Dudkowiak, 75 and 81 respectively, have lived on Bitterne Road West since 1985.

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The couple live between the two residential fires and said that the alarming amount of fires in the road was something they were concerned about.

Adam said: “It’s becoming very unusual the number of fires in Bitterne Road West.

“It does feel like these fires are getting too close for comfort - I even joked with a neighbour and said who will be next."

In June 2023, a police investigation was launched after a fire spread from the garden of a home on Bitterne Road West - near Northam Bridge - to the roof.

Police released an appeal to find three children - aged between 12 and 16 - believed to have started the blaze.

Bitterne Road West fire - June 24, 2023 (Image: NQ) But in March this year, Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that all lines of enquires had been exhausted.

On Sunday, July 14, Bitterne Road West was shut to drivers after a huge blaze broke out at industrial unit.

This first started in a car in the yard of Ravenscroft Motor Group and quickly spread to the nearby marquee and linings manufacturer Custom Covers.

Bitterne Road West car garage fire - August 10, 2024 (Image: NQ) The plumes of smoke could bee seen from across the city and buildings in the area were significantly damaged.

Most recently a blaze broke-out in the loft of a shared house near the corner of Rampart Road after a blow torch was used during some DIY - leaving neighbours trapped outside their homes.Bitterne Road West fire - July 14, 2024 (Image: NQ)

Adam said: “Between arsons to faulty cars setting alight in the yard of a car garage it really feels like we’ve seen it all.

“It is certainly something that is troubling for us residents here."

Brenda added: “What concerns me is that we have a large petrol station on this road right opposite the car garage.

“I feel so awful for those who are living in the Rampart Road flats.”