Firefighters are rushing to the scene of a large fire that has broken out in central Cowes this lunchtime (Monday).
It was just before 11:55 that smoke began to billow into the sky from a commercial premises on the High Street, not far from the Red Jet terminal.
That smoke has become thicker and blacker, indicating the blaze is growing in size and intensity.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has fire crews on scene, with efforts underway to bring the incident under control.
The seat of the fire appears to be coming from the middle of a building that sits between Terminus Road, High Street and Carvel Lane.
UPDATE @ 12:54 – Efforts to contain and extinguish the blaze continue more than an hour after the fire broke out, with crews gaining access to the rear of the Pier View Pub and The Butcher’s Shop.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that the fire has broken out in a kitchen, although the exact cause is yet to be determined.
Firefighters have successfully rescued a number of pets, including a cat and a guinea pig.
Southern Vectis says that its Route 1 buses via Roundhouse will terminate and wait at Cowes Fire Station, whilst Route 1 buses via Park and Ride will terminate and wait at Rashley’s.
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