A fire has broken out at a residential property in central Ryde this evening (Sunday).
The incident has occurred at an address off Monkton Street, with the alarm first being raised at around 19:15.
Orange flames can be seen licking into the night sky with smoke billowing from the property, situated near to East Street.
5 pumping appliances from Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Newport are on scene, alongside an Aerial Ladder Platform from Newport.
Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus are set to enter the property – which is accessed through a narrow enclosed alleyway – with further resources en route.
Cordons have been erected in the vicinity as crews battle the flames.
Water is being extracted from nearby hydrants as those present work to extinguish the blaze. Local residents are being advised that they may see some disruption to their water supply as a result.
It is understood that the fire has already breached through the roof section of the property in question, causing significant damage.
UPDATE @ 19:45 – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s Incident Command Unit from Newport has also been called to the scene, coordinating the response on the ground.
Resources from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service have just arrived on Monkton Street amid fears that someone may still be inside the property.
Residents in adjoining properties – and those enjoying a pint at The Solent Inn – have been evacuated as a precaution, with an emergency rest centre established by the Isle of Wight Council’s Emergency Planning team at nearby Monkton Arts.
UPDATE @ 20:30 – Island Echo is told that a local resident heard a ‘loud bang’ just moments before seeing flames erupting through the roof of the property.
Firefighters are now up on the Aerial Ladder Platform tackling the smouldering property from above and, as efforts continue to bring the blaze under control, water carriers from Ventnor and Freshwater have been mobilised to the incident to provide additional supplies.
Crews are expected to remain on scene for several hours, with further investigation work to be undertaken at first light.
UPDATE – A joint investigation between Police and the fire service is underway.
Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/extent-of-ryde-property-blaze-revealed-police-remain-on-scene/.
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