Garage destroyed in early-morning blaze

FIREFIGHTERS tackled flames that ripped through a New Forest commercial garage in the early hours of today (Monday).

The alarm was raised around 2am after a blaze broke out at the premises off Brook Hill Road, and crews from Lyndhurst, Totton, Romsey, Eastleigh, Redbridge and St Mary’s responded.

They spent about three-and-a-half hours battling to bring the emergency under control, with the aid of breathing apparatus. But the 10x30m wooden structure, with a corrugated iron roof, was almost completely destroyed.

A hazardous area response team from South Central Ambulance Service supported them at the scene.

Officers from Hampshire police attended to assist with road closures while the incident was dealt with, according to a force spokesperson.

A post on Twitter this morning by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “90% of the building was destroyed, one electric pole fell into the building but was made safe.”

Another tweet by HFRS station manager Dave Graham said: “Great firefighting protecting nearby houses.”