A FIRE broke out at a home in Southampton this afternoon.

Firecrews were called to an address in Crofton Close, Highfield at 5.34pm today, after smoke was seen coming from the roof.

The occupant of the house was able to get themselves out of the building, which has been described by the fire service as a large detatched property, after being alerted by a smoke detector.

A number of firecrews from St Mary's, Redbridge and Hightown fire stations attended the scene.

The blaze started in the airing cupboard and has caused 'significant damage' in the roofspace and there was a lot of smoke damage to the first floor.

Glenn Bowyer, station manager from Eastleigh, said: "The fire developed really quickly. There was a lot of heat and smoke in the first floor.

"The crews had to work extremely hard to extinguish the fire.

"The actions of the occupant by hearing the alarm and getting out and calling us was what we needed to be able to get here quickly. It's allowed us to be in a position where fortunately she is unharmed."

No injuries have been reported as a result of the fire and the cause is not being treated as suspicious in any way.

The stop call came in around 7pm.