UPDATED: DERELICT PARKBURY HOTEL GOES UP IN FLAMES IN SANDOWN

Firefighters are tackling a large blaze at the derelict Parkbury Hotel in Sandown this morning (Saturday). 6 pumping appliances from stations across the Island, an aerial ladder platform and the Incident Command Unit are all on scene at Broadway, where flames can be seen bursting through the roof of the former hotel. Wholetime and retained firefighters are working hard to contain the blaze, which broke out on the southern side of the once-grand hotel sometime around 01:00. Crews on the ground are working defensively using main jets from within the hotel grounds, with a jet also dowsing the flames from above via the aerial platform. Smoking is billowing towards the North, turning white as thousands of litres of water is thrown onto the raging fire. More than 4 hydrants are being utilised for continuous water supply which may cause some disruption to the network for local residents, such as discolouration and low pressure. It is currently unknown if any persons – such as squatters – were inside the building at the time of the fire. The cause is yet to be identified. https://youtu.be/TfTfO297GB0?si=K17c-NbnYZGdVbdE   The Broadway is currently closed to all traffic in both directions between Station Avenue and Grove Road. Fire appliances from the mainland are expected to be drafted in to provide additional fire cover across the Island and to relief crews on the fire ground as the night progresses. Further updates are expected at first light. UPDATE @ 07:46 – The fire – which has affected the second floor and roof space – has been extinguished. Crews from Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, Cowes and Ventnor worked through the night to bring the situation under control. Police have been alerted to the incident and remain present at the scene. Broadway has now reopened in both directions. PHOTOS: