CREWS TACKLE TOP FLOOR FIRE AT DERELICT OCEAN HOTEL

Firefighters are tackling yet another fire at the derelict Ocean Hotel in Sandown this evening (Thursday). 3 appliances from Sandown, Shanklin and Ryde are on scene on the High Street and on the Esplanade after an orange glow was seen and smoke witnessed issuing from a top floor window at around 20:00. A 13.5m ladder has been erected to give access to the upper reaches of the former hotel property, with a firefighter kitted out in breathing apparatus hauling aloft a hose reel jet to douse the flames. Firefighters – also were breathing apparatus – have entered the property with firefighting efforts now underway both internally and externally. It’s been confirmed through thermal imaging that the fire is contained to a single room and has not spread. High Street has been closed to all traffic with cordons in place around the junction with York Road. The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has an operational commander on scene but no injuries have been reported. It’s the second time in 4 days that Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has been called to the Ocean Hotel, with Monday’s incident deemed suspicious.