Firefighters are battling to save a thatched property from destruction as smoke billows from the home in Totland this morning (Wednesday).
Several appliances from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are on scene at Moons Hill – between Freshwater Bay and Alum Bay.
Thick smoke can be seen issuing from the detached property and is drifting across the carriageway.
UPDATE @ 07:18 – 7 appliances, a water carrier and a Aerial Ladder Platform are currently on scene with approximately 40 firefighters working to tackle the blaze, which broke out at around 05:35 this morning.
It’s thought crews from the mainland have been drafted in to maintain fire cover across the Island as local crews from Freshwater, Newport, Cowes, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor battle the flames at Totland.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Thatch fires are more common in the winter months when households are using chimneys, although there has only been 1 other thatch fire on the Isle of Wight in the past 10 years.
Moons Hill is closed from its junction with Queen’s Road.
UPDATE @ 09:56 – Firefighting efforts continue more than 4 hours after the alarm was raised. However, the roof and 1st floor of the property have been destroyed.
The Aerial Ladder Platform is being used to dowse the flames from above, with a water carrier being used to shuttle run supplies to a dam.
No one is thought to have been injured. It’s unclear at this time whether any possessions have been salvaged.
UPDATE @ 10:45 – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that the incident is now being scaled down, with just 3 fire engines set to remain on the scene.
Despite the balmy weather, it’s said that the fire originated from the chimney and spread across the roof space.
No one has been injured with the occupants able to escape the property.
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Oh no fingers crossed for the home owners and the firefighters, heard lots of sirens so knew it must be a big one
Take it the mainland fire crew won’t be catching red funnel another reason not too strike for safety reasons
That’s why the keep pumps here and travel over on foot.
Agree, the fire albeit unfortunate just highlights the necessity of reliable service across the water ,,, until the bridge or tunnel is formed
Davidcordingley ive seen on travels thatched roof with sprinkler systems above why not make it compulsory for insurance reasons.