Firefighters from across the Isle of Wight are responding to a derelict building fire in Totland this evening (Sunday).
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the developing incident just off The Broadway at around 19:40.
Island Echo understands the old scout hut, located off Kendal Road at the rear of The Broadway car park, is ablaze.
Currently, there are 5 pumps responding to the scene, however, more are being mobilised.
Fire hydrants are being utilised in the area which may result in residents seeing a reduction in water pressure or discolouration of water.
The road has been closed and Southern Vectis Route 7 buses are on diversion.
“Buses to turn around at the Colwell Road / Avenue Road roundabout & wait time at Colwell Common bus stop until further notice.
Article continues below this advertisement “Bus stops at Coastguard Cottages & Totland War Memorial cannot be served in either direction until the scene is clear.”
UPDATE @ 20:46 – The fire has been swiftly brought under control and the incident is being scaled back. Fire crews are still working to fully extinguish and dampen down the blaze, however.
3 appliances from Freshwater, Yarmouth and Newport are being used alongside a water carrier from Freshwater. The Incident Command Unit from Newport also remains on scene.
Other appliances from Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde and East Cowes have also arrived at the incident but are expected to be stood down.
Locals have told Island Echo that a group of youths were seen playing with fire in the area last Thursday and were sighted again this evening.
Enginers from Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks are now arriving on the scene.
WATCH: An Island Echo reader has shared video footage captured moments after the first fire crews arrived on the scene.
UPDATE @ 22:15 – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that a total of 8 appliances from both sides of the Solent were mobilised to the fire, which has involved a single storey building measuring 10m x 10m.
The fire, which was first reported at 19:38, has been tackled using 3 main jets, 2 hose reels, breathing apparatus and a safety jet.
A thermal imaging camera is now being used to check for hotspots.
UPDATE @ 22:45 – A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson has added:
“Multiple 999 calls were made after a fire broke out in a derelict building in The Broadway, Totland, on the Isle of Wight.
“Firefighters from Newport, Cowes, Shanklin, Sandown, East Cowes and Freshwater were called at 19:38 on Sunday (21 November) after flames could be seen coming from a disused Scout hut.
“Unfortunately, the hut was completely destroyed by the fire. The cause of the blaze is unknown.
“The stop message was received at 22:20.”
LIVE:
Not a hotel? I bet it is well insured whatever.
hope other properties are not affected
-Very nearly were, with properties so close by.
But here in Freshwater and Totland feral youths emanating from the council estates combined with zero policing – so what do you expect will happen ?
Usually they just start small fires in the trees around here and leave all their rubbish.
Yet people on here will be giving to these fearal youths with charity appeals for the ‘under privilidged’ and this is the thanks they will receive, along with vandalised cars etc.
Let the state keep them via our taxes, don’t ‘give’ to such ungrateful trash ‘as well’
A recurring theme of derelict buildings catching fire, about half a dozen derelict hotels in the sandown/shanklin area have spontaneously combusted this year.
What are you trying to say?
Easy planning application now eh.