Southampton call off Preston game after huge fire just hours before kickoff
Southampton have called off their Championship game against Preston on Wednesday night after a large fire raged right next to St Mary's Stadium.
Saints were due to play Preston at 7.45pm, but the blaze at a warehouse nearby has given them no choice but to cancel. A huge plume of smoke was quickly visible after the fire took hold at the industrial unit on Melbourne Road shortly after 1pm.
The blaze spread and required 18 fire engines, with pupils at the nearby St Mary's Primary School evacuated. The fire was just a street away from the south of St Mary's Stadium and directly next to one carpark, making it impossible for the match to go ahead safely, with it still raging late into the afternoon.
In a statement, 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.
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"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.
"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 blaze at a warehouse outside St Mary's"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."
Firefighters have been battling the blaze which broke out in what are thought to be warehouses just after 1pm this afternoon - and locals have been warned to avoid the area.
Nikki Delaney was in the area when the units went up in flames. She said: "The flames are high and it's getting worse. The heat from the flames is a lot and I'm not even close."
A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: "Crews are currently attending a fire in Marine Parade Southampton. The initial call came in at 1.05pm.
Fire crews rushed to the scene"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."
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