Firefighters are tackling a house fire which has broken out in the Swanmore area of Ryde this morning (Thursday).
Multiple appliances are responding to the scene on Swanmore Road with crews from Ryde, Newport and Sandown currently in attendance.
A family have successfully escaped from the semi-detached property and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service have arrived on scene to check the woman and 2 children over.
The blaze is centred to the rear of the home and appears to have spread to the roof space, with smoke issuing from the adjoining property’s roof also.
The alarm was raised shortly before 07:00 when smoke could be seen billowing into the sky, with locals seeing the fire from as far away as Ryde Pier.
Breathing apparatus crews have committed to the building with firefighters also tackling the fire externally from the rear garden.
UPDATE @ 07:25 – 5 appliances from Ryde, Newport and Sandown, as well as the Incident Command Unit from Newport, are now on scene with around 25 firefighters working to save the family home.
The blaze appears to be under control thanks to the swift actions of the first crews on scene.
Police have established cordons in the area with Swanmore Road closed to all traffic.
UPDATE @ 07:35 – A dog has been saved from the fire and whilst startled, appears uninjured.
It’s emerged that 2 members of the public rescued a woman, her 2 children and the family pet from the property.
Firefighters have now got the situation under control and the fire appears to be largely out. However, crews will now spend time damping down any hot spots before starting an investigation into the cause of the fire.
It’s understood that the fire broke out in a 1st-floor bedroom.
Swanmore Road is likely to remain closed for several hours.
UPDATE @ 10:57 – A total of 8 BA, 2 hose reels, 1 main jet and various small tools have been used to tackle the fire.
The incident has now been scaled back and crews are expected to leave the scene in due course.
Great they have saved the family pet.
My thoughts are with the family at this awful time. Big virtual hugs.
The neighbours a real hero