UPDATED: BRADING HOME GOES UP IN FLAMES IN EARLY HOURS BLAZE

Firefighters are tackling a house fire in Brading this morning (Friday) which has seen the homeowners evacuate in the middle of the night.  Eyewitnesses say the house on New Road became fully engulfed in flames shortly before 02:50. 3 fire appliances are currently on scene, however, the residential property is already well alight with flames lapping out of the roof. Smoke is billowing across the town and can be smelt from neighbouring Sandown. Ash is falling on the ground in the immediate area. The orange glow can be seen from surrounding areas as 15 firefighters work douse the flames. Access to water supplies is proving difficult though with 2 hydrants being dug out at either end of New Road. Prior to the arrival of emergency services locals were flagging down motorists to warn them of a live power cable down across the carriageway. The main Ryde to Sandown road has now been closed in both directions and Police have erected a cordon at either end. An operational commander from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service is also in attendance. It is the 2nd large incident of the night for the Island’s fire crews. Resources have been redeployed to Brading from a barn fire in Bowcombe. UPDATE @ 04:38 – Firefighters have got a hold of the fire, which has sadly already destroyed a significant amount of the family home. Thankfully, it has been confirmed that all persons are accounted for and are uninjured. An additional 2 appliances from the mainland have arrived in Brading to bolster efforts this morning, with a 3rd mainland appliance standing by at Ryde. Firefighters from Hightown, St Mary’s and Hamble are now on the Island. Hard road closures are going in as the firefighting operation is expected to last several hours. This means traffic is having to divert via St Helens and Bembridge, or via Brading Downs, when travelling to/from Ryde and Sandown. UPDATE @ 05:50 – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is advising those living in the Brading area to keep all windows and doors shut as they continue to tackle this morning’s house fire. UPDATE @ 08:30 – A 60-year-old man has suffered burns as a result of the blaze, but he condition is described as stable. Crews from Freshwater, Ventnor, Sandown and Ryde have been tackling the fire, alongside mainland crews from St Mary’s, Southsea, Havant, Liphook and Fareham. UPDATE @ 10:22 – The house has been completely destroyed by fire, with significant damage to the adjoining property also. Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/devastating-blaze-destroys-brading-home-60-year-old-man-suffers-burns/.