Firefighters from stations across the Isle of Wight are tackling a major blaze on a residential road in Cowes this afternoon (Sunday).
It was at around 15:45 that 999 calls were first made to fire control to report a fire developing off Stephenson Road, with residents hearing loud ‘bangs’ and ‘pops’.
Thick black smoke can be seen billowing into the sky with flames visible from as far away as Lepe Beach.
Crews from Newport, Ryde and Shanklin – as well as water carriers from Ventnor and Freshwater – are currently on scene tackling the blaze, which has broken out in a back garden.
Island Echo understands that the fire, believed to have started in an outbuilding, has spread to nearby hedgerows and other adjoining buildings.
Due to the size of the blaze and the awkward location, crews are also tackling it from the nearby St Faith’s Road.
Water is being extracted from hydrants in the area in attempts to bring the situation under control.
UPDATE @ 17:00 – The blaze has been brought under control but efforts to fully extinguish it remain ongoing.
2 casualties are currently being treated by the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service for the effects of smoke inhalation.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has been called to the scene to close local roads as work to establish just how the blaze occurred gets underway.
Residents in the vicinity are being advised to keep their windows shut whilst smoke still lingers in the early-evening air.
UPDATE @ 18:30 – Fire crews remain on scene as the evening sun begins to show, with the incident entering its fourth hour.
Additional fire appliances from the mainland have been sent over to ensure adequate fire cover elsewhere on the Island.
Firefighters in breathing apparatus are checking the charred remains for any hotspots, as damping down continues.
Stephenson Road and St Faith’s Road remain blocked.
UPDATE @ 19:45 – The incident is now concluding, although relief crews remain on scene damping down the affected area.
The cause remains unknown.
Oh gosh! I do hope they’re okay. Best wishes from Wroxall
Just for your record the fire started in the garden of the house in st faiths Road which my house backs onto, at least 5 of the houses involved in Stephenson road back onto his property. I have lost everything in 3 sheds and we are all devastated
Have you given this to the police?
Hope they’re all okay. Such a tragedy.
pussy ass hut