UPDATED: A campervan fire has spread to a bungalow and garage in Alverstone Garden Village this evening (Tuesday).
Fire appliances from Newport, Sandown and Shanklin are currently in attendance at Hollowood Road, where a campervan has been destroyed after a blaze broke out on the driveway of a bungalow at just before 17:20.
The fire has spread to the garage of 1 property and to the corner of the roof of the next door bungalow.
Locals have told Island Echo that loud explosions could be heard, although amazingly no one is thought to have been injured in the incident.
Crews wearing breathing apparatus are using 2 hose reels to dowse the flames.
UPDATE @ 18:00 – The fire, which has been prevented from spreading any further, has been extinguished.
At the height of the blaze thick, black and billowing smoke could be seen from miles around.
Crews are using a thermal imaging camera to check for any remaining hotspots and a Positive Pressure Ventilation fan is being utilised to rid smoke from the nearby detached property.
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s Chaplin is in attendance providing support to the elderly homeowners.
UPDATE @ 18:45 – The British Red Cross Emergency and Fire Support unit is now in attendance to provide assistance to those affected.
Station Manager Andy Cave has confirmed the occupants of both properties are safe and well, although one household is being re-homed for the night due to smoke.
The garage is a complete loss, with a second vehicle parked inside having also been damaged in the blaze.
Next door, a section of grass has been badly burnt as well as damage to the eaves of the bungalow and a side window. A garden fence has been destroyed.
Crews are preparing to leave the scene.
