Firefighters from across the Isle of Wight are tackling a house fire on Ryde Esplanade this afternoon (Thursday).
It was around 17:00 that Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue service was first alerted to the fire, with crews from Newport, Ryde and Cowes mobilised and now on scene.
Passers by – including festival goers – spotted smoke billowing out of the roof and chimney of the property, located opposite to the Hovertravel terminal.
Firefighters have donned breathing apparatus and are utilising main jets and hose reel jets, with water being pulled from a nearby hydrant, to bring the blaze under control.
A total of 3 pumping appliances and an Aerial Ladder Platform are in attendance.
Police have closed the southern side of the Esplanade between Dover Street and Union Street.
UPDATE @ 19:32 – Island Echo understands that no persons were inside the property at the time that its roof caught alight.
With smoke smouldering out of the roof tiles, firefighters are utilising Roof Hooks in order to turnover the site and carry out hotspot checks.
Officers from the scene warned that motorists can expect the closure of the Esplanade to continue for another hour at least whilst the necessary checks take place.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
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