A massive fire has erupted at Portsdown Hill, located on the outskirts of Portsmouth, this Friday evening. The blaze started at L and S Waste Management and quickly spread, producing thick black smoke that has been seen as far away as the Isle of Wight, covering nearby areas including Fareham and Portchester.
Firefighters from across Hampshire have responded to the incident. Crews from Cosham, Havant, Southsea, and Hayling Island are actively working to control the flames. Hampshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that the emergency call was received at 6.50pm, and they expect to remain on site throughout the night. A spokeswoman described the fire as “well developed” and noted its rapid spread.
The thick smoke has raised concerns for drivers on the nearby M27 motorway. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, but the motorway remains open at this time. Hampshire Constabulary officers are also present, assessing the impact and collaborating with fire crews to ensure public safety.
Residents in the affected areas have been advised to keep windows and doors closed to avoid inhaling the hazardous smoke. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue stated that a full investigation will be conducted once the fire is under control to determine the cause of the blaze.
Originally published by UKNIP.