The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have mobilised to a large barn blaze on the outskirts of Cowes this morning (Saturday).
A number of fire appliances are in attendance off Pallance Lane, where a barn is said to be well alight.
Hampshire Fire Control say they were alerted to the incident at 05:54.
Appliances from Newport and Cowes are on scene alongside a water carrier from Freshwater, the Incident Command Unit from Newport and the Incident Support Unit from East Cowes.
UPDATE @ 07:00 – An eye witness has told Island Echo that they were awoken by the fire at 05:45, initially thinking it was a bonfire, but they quickly realised there was a lot of smoke and flames before dialling 999.
Firefighters are continuing to battle on but are making good progress.
UPDATE @ 07:20 – Group Manager Dean Haward has confirmed to Island Echo that the barn, measuring around 15 x 30m, has been 100% destroyed by fire.
The fire has now been surrounded and is under control thanks to the response by the first crews on scene, who worked quickly to tackle the situation and ensure all local residents were safely out of their homes.
It has been confirmed that a number of vehicles have also been damaged in the blaze.
Thankfully, all livestock are confirmed as being safe and well having been moved to another part of the farm.
Local residents are being urged to keep windows and doors closed for the time being due to residual smoke in the area, particularly Northwood. At the height of the blaze, plumes of smoke could be seen from as far away as Ryde, stretching south towards Chillerton.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown but investigations will soon get underway.
WATCH: Aerial footage captures fire crews tackling the barn blaze off Pallance Lane
UPDATE @ 11:15 – The incident has now been scaled right back with just 1 appliance remaining on scene damping down.
totally gutted for you all — knowing you are devastated with all that has happened. if there is anything we can do to help = just say!! love from Ash’s family.