Major Incident Declared as Fire Erupts at University Hospital Southampton
A major incident has been declared and patients have been evacuated following a significant fire that broke out at University Hospital Southampton in the early hours of this morning. The blaze, which ignited at approximately 5:30am on Sunday 1st February 2026, prompted a large-scale emergency response from fire and rescue services across the region.
Large-Scale Fire Service Response Mobilised
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to reports of a fire at Southampton General Hospital, part of the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, at 5:30am. More than 110 firefighters were mobilised to the scene at the peak of the incident, deploying an array of equipment to combat the flames.
Fire crews utilised breathing apparatus, hose reel jets, and an Aerial Ladder Platform to bring the fire under control. The intense operation required a substantial presence, with crews working diligently to manage the situation and ensure the safety of all individuals on the hospital premises.
Patient Evacuation and Service Disruption
Patients and staff located in the affected areas of the hospital were promptly evacuated to secure zones within the facility as a precautionary measure. In a statement released on their official website, the University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that the fire has now been contained and, importantly, no injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.
However, the fire has caused significant disruption to hospital services. The Trust's Emergency Department is currently diverting patients away, except for those with conditions deemed life-threatening or limb-threatening. The statement advised: “We are asking anyone requiring medical attention to use other services in the community including the Urgent Treatment Centre at RSH or Lymington.”
Roads surrounding the hospital were temporarily closed to facilitate the emergency response, though these are expected to reopen as the situation stabilises.
Fire Service Provides Update on Containment
A spokesperson for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service provided further details, stating: “Crews from across Hampshire were called to reports of a fire at University Hospital Southampton at 5:30am this morning (1 February). At its peak, more than 110 firefighters were mobilised to the incident. Breathing apparatus, hose reel jets and an Aerial Ladder Platform are in use. The fire is now under control; crews remain on scene to dampen down. Nobody has been injured as a result of the fire and patients in all affected areas have been evacuated to safe areas of the hospital.”
While the immediate danger has been mitigated, fire crews continue to remain on site to conduct damping down operations and ensure there is no risk of reignition. The cause of the fire is not yet known and investigations are likely to commence once the scene is fully secured.
This incident underscores the critical importance of emergency preparedness within healthcare settings and the swift coordination between NHS trusts and fire services to protect patient welfare during unforeseen crises.
