UPDATED WITH VIDEO: The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are this evening (Wednesday) tackling a large blaze at a block of flats in Niton.
Up to 8 appliances from across the Island are battling the inferno, which has engulfed a former cottage – Puckaster Lodge – that has in more recent times been converted into a block of flats.
Crews were called to the property on Puckaster Lane shortly before 17:15 as reported by Island Echo following reports of smoke coming from the building with two appliances from Newport and Shanklin originally deployed to the scene.
Readers are reporting flames up to 20ft in height which can be seen from across the area with a strong smell now moving across the rural village. The fire broke out on the first floor and smoke rapidly spread through the entire building before the flames took hold.
The roof of the building has now collapsed and firefighters continue to fight the blaze.
Due to the location of the fire, near to Undercliff Drive, Freshwater Fire Station’s Water Carrier has been drafted in and other appliances are filling up with water from hydrants in the village centre.
No one has been injured in the incident and no persons are believed to be trapped, however, several people have been made homeless tonight.
The British Red Cross Emergency and Fire Support vehicle and volunteers have been deployed to the incident and the temporary Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Incident Command Unit is on site.
VIDEO
UPDATE @ 22:10 – Firefighters continue to battle against the flames this evening, 5 hours after the incident was first reported.
Four main jets are being used from the outside of the building in defence mode and firefighters from Sandown have joined the firefighting efforts.
Engineers from Southern and Scottish Generate and Southern Gas Networks have been called to the scene alongside Isle of Wight Council Building Controllers amid fears the building could collapse.
UPDATE THURSDAY @ 07:25 – Firefighters remain on the scene of the devastating blaze this morning as they continue to dampen down the remains of the building more than 14 hours since the fire began.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown however investigations will begin today to try and establish the source of ignition.
UPDATE THURSDAY @ 17:00 – A total of seven flats were destroyed in the blaze, however neighbouring properties have been saved from any damage.
This video by David Pearce shows the size of the blaze and how it engulfed the entire building.
Photos thanks to Megan Bridger, Andrew Lord and Juli Chessell and Shane Thornton. Featured photograph by David Pearce
