A fire alarm sounding at a building key to the Island’s digital infrastructure has prompted a response to Ryde by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service this afternoon (Tuesday).
3 appliances from Newport, Sandown and Shanklin have been mobilised – alongside an Aerial Ladder Platform from Ryde and a duty officer – to the BT Telephone Exchange on St James’ Street.
It was shortly before 13:30 that the activation of the building’s fire alarm system led to the mobilisation of wholetime and retained crews by fire control.
Smoke has been seen coming from the rooftop but a thermal imaging camera inspection of the multi-storey building has not identified any seats of fire. Island Echo’s drone has confirmed the white smoke is coming from an exhaust duct.
Further inspections of the telephone exchange are underway, with firefighters wearing breathing apparatus standing by.
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