FIREFIGHTERS have rushed to the scene of a blaze in Southampton.

Crews were called to the scene of the fire at Empress Road at about 11.50am and fire pumps from St Mary's, Redbridge and Hightown are battling the blaze.

Kevin Evenett, Incident Commander said: "We have 79 personnel on scene and ten pumps. We will be here for a while yet damping down, as there are multiple businesses affected.

"It would appear they are all interlinked but fortunately everyone was out when we arrived. It's definitely a reasonable size incident, and that thick black smoke is tyres, grime and oil.

"Cars were involved in the fire, but we do not know how many. The roof of the building has collapsed in on itself."

VIDEO: Footage taken by George Burke (@_GeorgeBurke)

It is believed the fire may have started in the roof of a building.

The road has been closed and ambulance crews are at the scene.

A number of roads in the area were closed but all have reopened other than Empress Road and Kingsbury Road.

South Central Ambulance Service has warned people to avoid the area and keep their windows closed.

Firefighters say everyone has been accounted for.

Looks like a serious fire in Southampton this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/CZ2BNODlRC — Ryan Sutton (@RyanJWSutton) 20 April 2017

Does any one know where/what the smoke near bellevue road is coming from? #fire #southampton pic.twitter.com/1mWUkRXUWK — Robin (@robin_moran) 20 April 2017

Another day, another fire outside my office building. This time in Southampton. 😮 pic.twitter.com/RL0x4ifwDe — Matt Ribbins (@mattyribbo) 20 April 2017

Fire continues to billow on #EmpressRoad - roof off and nearby flat evacuated. Horrible scenes. #Southampton pic.twitter.com/XavXHGyIxb — Matthew Broad (@MatthewRBroad) 20 April 2017