SOUTHAMPTON’S game with Preston tonight has been postponed due to a huge fire.
The Saints were due to be in action on the South Coast against Ryan Lowe’s side but a massive blaze broke out near the ground this afternoon.
Simon JonesA huge fire near to Southampton’s home forced their stadium to be evacuated[/caption]
Simon JonesSt Mary’s stadium was left engulfed in smoke after a fire broke out[/caption]
SunThe blaze was at a factory on the industrial estate next to the stadium[/caption]
Simon JonesBrave firefighters raced to the scene to battle the blaze after being alerted at 1:05pm[/caption]
Southampton’s stadium had to be evacuated after a huge fire raged near it as St Mary’s became covered in thick black cloud after flames engulfed a factory on an industrial estate next door.
Emergency services raced to the blaze and quickly set-up a cordon around the fire on Wednesday afternoon.
Dramatic video footage revealed how brave firefighters battled the flames with hoses as smoke rose high into the air.
An incredible fireball soared above St Mary’s and the surrounding area.
Then a loud speaker was heard telling staff to evacuate the 32,000-capacity stadium immediately.
A statement from the fire service at 1.50pm had earlier said: Crews are currently attending a fire in Marine Parade Southampton. The initial call came in at 1:05pm.
“The fire is affecting industrial units near St Mary’s football stadium.
“There are currently eight fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms and other specialist vehicles in attendance.
“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.”
A spokesperson for the service then said at 2:24pm: “Additional fire engines are now heading to the scene to make it up to 18.
“The fire is currently involves four industrial units.
“There is lots of smoke and people the area are reminded to keep doors and windows closed.”
The EFL then announced that they were “closely monitoring” the situation as the scheduled kick-off approached with firefighters still battling the blaze.
RexThousands of spectators were due to attend the Championship match[/caption]
XBlack smoke began engulfing the city just hours before the game was due to take place[/caption]
Simon JonesThe fire brigade provided regular updates throughout the afternoon as they fought the blaze[/caption]
It was then confirmed at 4pm that the match had been postponed.
A statement from the club said: “Southampton Football Club regrets to announce that tonight’s Sky Bet Championship match against Preston North End has been postponed.
“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.”
The Saints added: “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.”
Preston then released their own statement as they announced they were looking at potentially compensating those supporters who had made the 247-mile trip to the South Coast.
It read: “Preston North End’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Southampton has been postponed as a result of health and safety concerns following a fire nearby St Mary’s Stadium.
“The EFL will be in discussions with both clubs to determine a suitable date to reschedule the fixture and details for this will be announced in due course.
“The club would like to thank supporters who have made the long journey to support the team and wish everyone a safe journey home.
“An announcement will be made on Thursday regarding any potential compensation arrangements for travelling fans.”
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