Firefighters from across the Isle of Wight are once again tackling a fire at one of Sandown’s derelict hotels – this time at the former Esplanade Hotel.
It was at around 04:30 this morning (Sunday) that Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service mobilised appliances to the town amid reports of smoke issuing from the the once grand seafront hotel – famous for hosting Jimi Hendrix.
An Aerial Ladder Platform is among the resources deployed due to the size and scale of the building, which has remained in state of disrepair for several years.
Crews have worked over the past 3 hours to contain and extinguish the fire, but efforts continue to dampen down the affected areas and ensure the situation is fully under control.
Esplanade and High Street are currently blocked to all traffic.
UPDATE @ 08:02 – The fire has been fully extinguished and crews have now stood down.
The circumstances of the fire, which appears to have centered around the upper floors of the building, has prompted Police attendance.
Investigations into the incident are underway, with fears of yet another arson attack.
No injuries are thought to have been sustained.
UPDATE @ 09:10 – It has been confirmed that appliances from Newport, Ryde, Shanklin and Ventnor were all involved in this morning’s shout.
Firefighters used hose reel jets, a main jet and an Aerial Ladder Platform to extinguish the fire, which involved the first, second and third floors.
The stop message was returned at 06:30.
Access to the former hotel has been secured and Police remain in attendance.
WOW, yet another spontaneous combustion event.. this place must be haunted. Are we due for another round of court case opera perchance? Just wondering, not saying this is a tad strange or anything…. Oh well, better luck next time.