Fire crews from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have been called to a reported fire at the Minster in Newport this afternoon (Friday).
Smoke can be seen billowing out of a chimney at the rear of the building in St Thomas’ Square.
2 fire appliances from Newport Fire Station are on scene alongside an Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP), also from Newport.
Firefighters are using the ALP to reach the chimney stack of the historic building, to ascertain the cause of the smoke.
An area around the rear of the minster has been cordoned off by firefighters to allow them space to safely operate their machinery.
UPDATE @ 17:10 – Hose Reel Jets have been laid out in preparation to strike if a seat of fire is found.
However, currently, crews are yet to locate a fire with members of the public telling Island Echo they have seen smoke coming from the chimney in the past suggesting it might be a boiler.
Crews remain on the scene.
UPDATE @ 18:00 – It has been confirmed that reports of a fire have been snubbed out.
Hampshire Fire Control has confirmed that it was in fact steam coming from a boiler within the church.
In this instance, it was a false alarm with good intent.
Crews have now stood down from the incident and returned back to the station.
