A number of elderly residents have been evacuated from sheltered accommodation in Shanklin tonight following the outbreak of a fire.
Two appliances from the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are currently in attendance at Columbus House on Sandown Road after receiving reports of a property fire in a block of flats occupied by vulnerable residents.
Island Echo understands a small electrical fire broke out in the living room of one property, prompting the 999 response shortly before 23:30.
The room is said to be heavily smoke-logged.
Paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service are also in attendance.
UPDATE @ 00:30 – The fire has been successfully extinguished by firefighters using a hose reel and breathing apparatus.
UPDATE TUESDAY: Firefighters remained on the scene until around 01:45. Island Echo understand an electrical board was to blame for the alert.
This latest incident comes just hours after three appliances were sent to an electrical fire at a church hall in Freshwater.
Photo: Adrian Whittaker.
