A fire that broke out in an alleyway between 2 shops led to 12 people being evacuated from their properties in Ryde during the early hours of this morning (Monday).
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service mobilised 3 appliances from Ryde and Newport to the High Street, between Anglesea Street and John Street, at just before midnight. It had been reported that a blaze had developed in an alleyway between Age Concern and Diamond Pet Supplies.
Island Echo is told that Police officers from the nearby station ran down the High Street to provide some initial assistance.
Firefighters were soon on scene, donning breathing apparatus and using a hose reel jet to quickly extinguish the fire.
A total of 12 people had to be evacuated from the flats above the shops. They were cared for by the British Red Cross Emergency Support Team before the Isle of Wight Council arranged emergency accommodation for the families affected.
It has been confirmed that an electrical issue is to blame for the fire. Engineers from SGN and Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks are now digging the road up outside the affected properties.
HIWFRS left the scene shortly before 03:00, handing the incident over to SGN.
Glad it was a safe outcome. Incidentally, Age Concern hadn’t been the name since 2010. It’s Age UK now.
Policemen running??? I hope there wasn’t any injuries.
Likely someone on the supply overloading it by growing tents in the spare room or loft.