Fire At Western Docks In Southampton

Fire crews are still at Southampton's Western Docks after a big fire there involving 50,000 tonnes of scrap metal.

Fire crews from across Hampshire have been continuing to fight a fire involving a large pile of scrap metal. 

Fire crews were called yesterday at 09.11hrs [Tuesday 17 April 2012] to a fire involving 50,000 tonnes of scrap metal at Western Docks, Southampton.

Around 5,000 tonnes of the metal caught fire, but it was in a pile of around 50,000 tonnes - fire crews worked to make sure it didn't spread.

Firefighting operations have progressed much quicker than expected over night, helped by heavy rain and strong winds, the large smoke plume seen yesterday has now disappeared.

Fire appliances from as far away Basingstoke and Southsea fire stations have been in attendance over night, with a scaled down attendance of further crews expecting to be at the scene throughout the day. 

Firefighters have been tackling the blaze using ground monitors, compressed air foam appliances, aerial ladder platforms and a high volume pump, with 60 Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus being used to date.