UPDATED: FIREFIGHTERS TACKLE FIRE AT SMOKE-FILLED LAUNDRETTE IN RYDE

Firefighters are tackling a fire that has broken out at a laundrette in Ryde this evening (Monday). 3 fire appliances – 2 from Ryde and 1 from Newport – are on scene at Laundrama on Marlborough Road, a well-known and long-established local business. 2 breathing apparatus wearers have been committed to the building, with 2 hose reel jets being utilised to contain and extinguish the flames. COBRA – a high pressure, piecing lance – is being readied and water is being pulled from a nearby hydrant. Eyewitnesses say the fire appeared to begin quickly at around 18:15, with smoke seen billowing from the front of the semi-detached building ahead of the arrival of fire crews. Marlborough Road is currently blocked in both directions between Somerset Road and Arundle Road. UPDATE @ 18:34 – A further 2 BA wearers have entered the property to tackle the fire, which appears to have been quickly contained. A further fire appliance has arrived on scene alongside the temporary Command Support Vehicle from Newport (Basingstoke), which has been mobilised to assist with the command and control of the incident. The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has also responded, but no injuries have been reported so are being stood down. UPDATE @ 18:50 – Positive pressure ventilation is being used to rid smoke from the building now that the fire has been extinguished. Both the ground and first floors of the property have been affected but a cause is currently unknown. It has been confirmed that the building was empty when the fire broke out and that fitted, working smoke alarms activated.   The owner is aware and is on site liaising with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. UPDATE @ 19:00 – The incident has been scaled back to 2 appliances as the incident enters the investigation stages. Marlborough Road remains closed to all traffic.