Scrap ablaze at busy cruise port

A large fire among a mountain of scrap metal at Southampton docks sent clouds of smoke across the port and the city. Firemen from across Hampshire, who have been tackling the blaze since Tuesday morning, have been assisted by heavy rain which helped bring the fire under control.
The blaze broke out near the King George V dry dock, between dock gates 10 and 20, and at one stage yesterday up to 60 firemen were involved in putting it out, using compressed air foam appliances, aerial ladder platforms and a high volume pump.
Most of the smoke was being blown towards the sea but nearby residents were advised to stay indoors and to close doors and windows.
A fire service spokesman, who had earlier said it was expected the blaze would take days to bring under control, said today: “Operations have progressed much quicker than expected overnight, helped by heavy rain and strong winds. The large smoke plume seen yesterday has now disappeared.”
Fortunately for Southampton’s reputation as Britain’s busiest cruise port, there have been no cruise ships in harbour. Saga Sapphire, which should have been at the City terminal today, is in Valencia while repairs to an engine problem are being carried out. The fire should be extinguished by the time Grand Princess and Queen Victoria berth on Saturday.
Liverpool’s attempts to attract lucrative cruise business have frequently been derided because of the mountain of scrap metal which blights the view from Langton Dock at Bootle.
This time the boot (or Bootle) is on the other foot.