Firefighters from across the Isle of Wight and the mainland are continuing to tackle a residential fire which has caused devastating damage to a trio of properties in Cowes this morning (Friday).
Crews from Cowes, Newport, Ryde, Sandown and Freshwater were called to the scene on Ronsons Close at around 03:15 this morning.
At the scene, a fire – which started in a mid terraced property – has taken hold of the roof and spread to the adjoining dwellings either side.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, and equipped with hose reel jets, worked to tackle the blaze, bringing it under control at around 07:00.
At the height of the blaze, around 30 firefighters were on scene.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has also been called to the scene as they work together with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause of the blaze.
Fire cover from the mainland – in pumps from both Cosham and Southsea – have been drafted in to relieve Isle of Wight crews who have stood down.
Those crews who remain on scene are currently damping down and checking for hotspots:
Electricity engineers from SSEN are on scene too, working to make the area safe. Diggers are being utilised to access underground infrastructure.
Isle of Wight Ambulance Service mobilised several resources in the early hours, including an Operational Commander and Critical Care Paramedic, however all have since stood down.
The Isle of Wight Council’s Emergency Housing Team are present speaking to this who are displaced as they work to help sort out temporary accommodation.
It is unclear at this stage if any injuries have been sustained, or how many people have been affected by the blaze.
Emergency and utility personnel are expected to remain on scene for several hours as they work to make the scene safe.
Updates are expected throughout the day.
