Southampton vs Preston in doubt as St Mary’s is evacuated after huge fire breaks out and engulfs stadium in smoke

THE EFL are “closely monitoring” a huge fire next to St Mary’s as Southampton’s clash with Preston tonight looks to be in doubt.

The Saints are due to be in action on the South Coast this evening against Ryan Lowe’s side but a massive blaze has broke out near the ground.

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.

St Mary’s was covered in thick black cloud as flames engulfed a factory on an industrial estate next door.

And now their Championship clash against Preston could be postponed due to the incident.

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.

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]