The historic former Ryde Town Hall is on fire, with firefighters from across the Isle of Wight working to contain and extinguish the blaze, which has broken out in the heart of Ryde this morning (Thursday).
It was shortly before 01:00 that smoke was seen issuing from the upper floors of the grand building on Lind Street, which has remained derelict for many years.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has 6 pumping appliances, an aerial ladder platform, water carrier and command support unit in attendance, with crews continuing to tackle the flames.
Island Echo is told that firefighters have, thankfully, got on top of the situation, with Station Manager Sean Harrison MBE praising the swift initial actions of the first crews to arrive on scene.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are fighting the fire externally using main jets, hose reel jets, 3x 135 ladders and the ALP. A water dam has been established.
The blaze is located to the rear of the theatre and is still burning in the roof space – but overall the building has been saved from destruction.
Although a cause is yet to be ascertained, witnesses have reported seeing youths entering the secured building earlier in the night, sparking fears of arson. Ryde residents have feared the building’s fate for years – some saying it was only a matter of time.
Smoke continues to billow into the night sky with an acrid smell strong for miles around.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is advising households in the area to keep windows and doors shut, and to avoid the area.
Firefighting efforts are likely to remain ongoing for some time in an effort to save the important piece of Ryde’s architectural heritage.
UPDATE @ 02:40 – Almost 2 hours after the blaze broke out, the incident is now starting to be scaled back.
Focus is now on the rear of the building, with firefighters utilising the ALP to get a closer look of the roof.
Fleet support has been called in to replenish breathing apparatus cylinders, with some appliances now being released back to station.
Lind Street, St James’ Street and Market Street remain closed to all traffic – but Lind Street is expected to reopen before dawn.
UPDATE @ 03:09 – The fire is now out and the incident has been scaled back to just 3 appliances.
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