Fire crews from Ryde and Sandown are tackling what is thought to be a fire in a flat in Ryde High Street this evening (Wednesday).
Smoke can be seen issuing from a flat above a row of shops between John Street and Star Street.
Fire crews are gaining entry to the property from an alleyway to the rear of the buildings, accessed from Star Street next to the cinema.
2 appliances are currently on scene with further sirens heard responding into the town.
It’s unclear at this stage if any persons are inside the property or what has caused the smoke.
UPDATE @ 19:47 – 4 appliances are now in attendance as the incident is scaled up.
Crews wearing breathing apparatus are working to gain access to a bay window above the former Santander bank and the current British Red Cross shop, as well as gaining access from the rear.
UPDATE @ 20:00 – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has a total of 5 appliances on scene, as well as an Aerial Ladder Platform and the Incident Command Unit.
Crews from Ryde, Newport, Sandown, Cowes and Ventnor are all involved in the operation.
Locals are being advised to keep windows and doors shut.
UPDATE @ 20:10 – It has been confirmed to Island Echo that thanks to the quick intervention of crews, the fire has now been contained and extinguished.
The Aerial Ladder Platform is now in the air, enabling firefighters to get closer to the 1st and 2nd floors of the building with ease.
Thermal imaging cameras are being used to thoroughly check the building for any hotspots, ensuring that the fire has been completely extinguished.
The cause of the fire is not yet known and the property has been described as being ‘derelict’.
