Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has been called to a hotel in Sandown this afternoon (Wednesday) as a result of a fire breaking out.
Several appliances from Ryde, Shanklin, Ventnor and Newport have rushed to the Channel View Hotel on Royal Street having been alerted to the developing situation shortly before 15:00.
It’s thought at least 4 appliances, the Aerial Ladder Platform and the Incident Command Unit are responding.
Witnesses say smoke is issuing from the building and the road has been closed.
The hotel has been evacuated but it’s currently unclear if any guests or staff are still inside the hotel.
UPDATE @ 15:30 – The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service is also attending the incident with a paramedic crew and operational commander on scene. 1 person is being tended to by paramedics in the back of the ambulance.
The fire is now out and positive pressure ventilation is being used to rid lingering smoke. Appliances from Ryde and Ventnor have stood down, with the Incident Command Unit also returning to Newport.
A pump from East Cowes has been mobilised to Newport to provide fire cover in the county town.
It’s thought the fire started in the laundry room.
Another fire in a hotel. Don’t they have stingent fire regs nowadays? Thought they would have to have fire alarms, smoke detectors, auto closing doors, and sprinklers in sensetive areas such as laundry and kitchens rooms.
Still lucky timing, just when the main hol season is over and the long Winter of discontent begins.
Good job no one hurt, ONLY the insurance co.
I think this needs to be seriously investigated and maybe the owners too