FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze at a block of flats last night in Poulner.

The fire in Southampton Road took hold of first floor flat in a three-storey block opposite the White Hart pub.

Two women were seen taking shelter in the pub as the incident unfolded.

Neighbour Kelly Ridgley, 40, a full time carer, said: "We saw smoke billowing out.

"Then we saw two women come out. One was in a remote controlled wheelchair."

Fire crews from Ringwood, Eastleigh, Fordingbridge, and Dorset and Wiltshire were called at to the incident just before 8pm.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "All persons were accounted for before the fire was stopped.

"Due to smoke damage in the property arrangements were made to rehouse the occupants."

The incident was dealt with by 9.45pm.