Firefighters from Shanklin, Sandown and Newport are in attendance at a building fire in Sandown this afternoon (Sunday).
3 appliances from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance at the former Stonehaven assisted living facility on Carter Street.
An incident command vehicle is also en route to the scene.
It’s understood that crews were mobilised at just before 17:00.
UPDATE @ 17:16 – Firefighters are using breathing apparatus to enter the abandoned property and are utilising 3 hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.
An aerial ladder platform has been mobilised to the scene but crews have used an extension ladder to access to the first floor of the building.
A partial closure is in place on Carters Road, with traffic also unable to pass through St John’s Road due to fire appliances being situated there.
UPDATE @ 17:41 – Having extinguished the fire, firefighters are now dampening down spaces within the building and checking for any further seats of fire.
Windows around the property have been opened and Positive Pressure Ventilation is also being utilised to help rid the building of smoke.
With the fire largely under control, both the incident command unit and Aerial Ladder Platform have now stood down from the scene. As a result, motorists can now drive the entirety of St Johns Road.
UPDATE @ 18:00 – Officers from Hampshire Constabulary are now in attendance at the incident.
Island Echo has approached Hampshire Constabulary for a statement.
UPDATE MONDAY – Island Echo can confirm that the incident is being treated as arson, and that an investigation has been launched.
Too many blazes to be accidents latley?
Not another fire in Sandown !! It is rapidly becoming the British HQ for Arsonists unlimited plc.
Wasn’t this building on fire a year or so ago? and whispers then that it was arson.
Oh very sarcastically great! Seems we have an ARSONISTS in our midst! What is this person’s objective? To make Sandown look like a bombed out war zone? Hope you are found and very quickly you complete ‘vile excuse for a human being’.