Firefighters from across the Isle of Wight are tackling a blaze that has caused significant smoke and fire damage to a popular Gurnard pub this morning (Tuesday).
6 appliances from Newport, Ryde, East Cowes, Sandown and Shanklin – plus an Aerial Ladder Platform and Incident Command Unit – have mobilised to The Portland Inn on Worsley Road.
A fire, thought to have been started by a tumble dryer, has spread through the rear section of the building and into the upper floors and roof space of the public house – a lynchpin of the local community.
The blaze began at around 00:45 with initial efforts made by the pub landlord’s to tackle the seat of the fire, but it was simply too intense.
Crews on scene have been using main jets, hose reels and breathing apparatus sets to contain the situation and extinguish the flames.
A message is now being relayed to fire control in Eastleigh that the fire has been surrounded, although efforts are to continue as the early hours of the morning progress to cut away and damp down any hot spots.
Further investigations into the cause of the fire are to also be undertaken.
Incident Commander Dean Haward estimates the building as a whole has sustained around 60% smoke damage and 30% fire damage, with the majority of the damage affecting the roof space.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has treated 2 people at the scene for the effects of smoke inhalation. They’ve since been discharged from the care of paramedics.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is to remain on scene as first light approaches with local road closures put in place by Island Roads on Tuttons Hill, Worsley Road, Hinton Road and Church Road.
Mainland-based fire crews are being transported across the Solent as part of a relief strategy, with mainland firefighters assisting both at the scene and by standing by at Island stations.
It’s understood the pub landlords are being supported by the local community overnight and that the building’s owners are making their way back to the UK from a holiday abroad in light of this morning’s news.
For fire safety information relating to electrical appliances, gizmos and gadgets visit https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/keeping-safe/loveyourhome/firehazards/electrical-appliances/.
Very sad and unfortunate slogan at the bottom of the pub sign.
what did the pub used to be called?
Hope they can recover.