Electrical fault started lorry port fire

The fire on Thursday 27 June started in the cab of the lorry and was extinguished by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, which said the driver was treated for smoke inhalation. The port remained open during and following the incident.

A Portsmouth International Port spokesperson said the fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical appliance in the cab of the lorry. “Everyone’s swift and professional actions meant the Port remained open while this isolated incident was contained, and fortunately no one was hurt. It was believed to be an electrical appliance in the lorry cab that triggered the fire,” stated the spokesperson.

In a statement on its website, the rescue service said: “Firefighters used two sets of breathing apparatus and Compressed Air Foam Solution (CAFS) to stop the fire which had caused a large amount of smoke and could be seen from a distance.”

By Rebecca Jeffrey