Massive fire which postponed championship football match at Southampton now under control

Watch: Giant plume of smoke sweeps over Southampton football stadium as fire engulfs industrial units (Credit: Jack Gordon)

A huge warehouse fire in Southampton has been brought under control overnight.

More than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze, which broke out at around 1 o'clock on Wednesday on Marine Parade, just yards from St Mary's Stadium.

Crews remain on site and people in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke.

Some roads local to the incident are closed and people are advised to avoid the area to allow movements of emergency vehicles.

The fire blew a plume of smoke across St Mary's Stadium Credit: PA Media

St Mary's Church of England Primary School says it will remain closed today (Thursday 7 March) as Southampton City Council engage in a clean-up operation of the surrounding area and school site. It expects to re-open tomorrow, Friday 8 March.

Late last night, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said, "There are five industrial units on the site, three of those units are fully involved in the fire, measures are being taken to protect the other two."

More than 100 firefighters battled into the night to bring the blaze under control Credit: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service

One of the buildings involved in the blaze collapsed and a smoke plume, described by the fire service as "toxic", billowed across the city and could be seen from Hythe on the Isle of Wight.

The fire led to the postponement of the Championship match between Southampton FC and Preston North End FC, which was due to kick off at 7.45pm on Wednesday.

  • Paul Reddish, Group Manager, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service

A statement posted on Southampton FC's website said the club "regrets to announce" that the match has been postponed.

The statement reads: "The decision was made after consultation with the local authorities and emergency services after a major fire broke out in a building next to the St Mary’s Stadium site earlier today.

"The incident has caused significant disruption in the area with road closures around the stadium still in place as fire crews continue to deal with the situation.

"We are grateful for the cooperation of Preston and the EFL, and while we appreciate the disappointment fans may feel, we hope they will understand the need to put the safety of supporters and staff of both clubs first.

"The game will be postponed to a new date, which will be announced in due course, and all tickets for tonight’s match will be valid for the rearranged fixture."

Away fans have travelled hundreds of miles to attend the match, with many already arriving in the city before the fire broke out.

Dale Scholefield is one of those who made the 250-mile trip, setting off at 6am on Wednesday.

  • Dale Scholefield, Preston fan

He said: "It's just one of those things, it's unfortunate it's happened. It could only happen to myself, because I'm quite unlucky.

"You can't really do much about it other than have a laugh about it really. Hopefully everyone is alright as well."

An EFL Spokesperson said: "The EFL can confirm that tonight’s Sky Bet Championship fixture between Southampton and Preston North End has been postponed as a result of health and safety concerns following a fire nearby St Mary’s Stadium.

"The League will liaise with both clubs to determine a suitable date to reschedule the fixture, with details to be confirmed in due course."

Posting on their club website, Preston North End offered fans a £15 per person contribution to travel costs, recognising the cost and inconvenience caused.

A nearby primary school, St. Mary's Church of England Primary, was evacuated with parents asked to collect their children "as soon as possible".

Pupils who had not yet been collected were taken to St John's Primary on French Street.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is advising people in the area to keep windows and doors closed.

Some nearby roads are closed, with motorists advised to avoid the area to allow access for emergency vehicles.

In a statement Southampton City Council said: "Fire and rescue crews are tackling a fire affecting industrial units near St Mary's football stadium.

"People in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed.

"Some roads local to the incident are closed and people are advised to avoid the area to allow movements of emergency vehicles."

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