Southsea house 'extensively' damaged by fire in the early hours of the morning
and live on Freeview channel 276
Three crews from Southsea Fire Station were called to a blaze at a property in Fawcett Road at 3.57am.
Nobody was inside the house and crews had to smash a window and remove the front door to get inside.
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Hide AdA station spokesman said the entire property has been damaged by the fire, which was ‘well developed’ when crews arrived and was out by 5.30am.
Callum Slater lives next door to the house and awoke shortly before 4am because of the drama.
‘I was woken up by fire alarms then two young lads passing by were banging on my door to let me know next door was on fire,' the 27-year-old said.
‘It was quite shocking because I have never been involved in something like that before.
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Hide Ad‘Once the fire brigade showed up, the incident commander assessed the house – all the windows were black and you could see flames on the inside.
‘But they cordoned it off and were ready to go inside within five minutes.’
The blaze was called in by a passer-by who saw smoke billowing from the property and felt the front door was hot.
A police cordon has now been put up outside and it is understood police remain at the scene.
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Hide AdSpeaking of the damage to the property, Mr Slater said: ‘It seems to be quite extensive.
‘Looking in the front door, which had been taken off its hinges, it’s all blackened and stuff is peeling off the walls and ceilings.’
He added: ‘There was a lot of smoke inside my house.
‘There's a police car on the scene now and an officer has just been asking people questions about what happened.'
Crews put the blaze out using two jets, a hosereel and four breathing apparatus.
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Hide AdThe News has approached Hampshire Constabulary for comment.
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