A fire that tore through a bungalow block in Newbridge and left a woman injured is now being reviewed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary after fire investigators were unable to determine the cause.
Emergency calls reporting the bungalow blaze on Main Road were first reported at around 13:00 on Monday 1st June.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the severity of the blaze quickly saw appliances from Newport, Ryde, Cowes, Ventnor, Shanklin and Southsea as well as the aerial ladder platform deployed to the West Wight scene.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly got the blaze under control using the main reel and hose reel jets, before standing down at around 18:00.
The occupants of the block were quickly evacuated with a single casualty treated for burns to her arm.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has told Island Echo today (Wednesday) that their initial investigations into the fire were unable to identify the cause.
The fire service have sinced passed the investigation onto Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary who are set to determine if a further investigation is required.
The incident in Newbridge was the 2nd residential fire in as many days following a flat fire in Shanklin on Sunday – as previously reported by Island Echo.
In the days since the fire, a GoFundMe has been set-up by members of the victims family.
Speaking on the fundraiser, which has already raised more than £705 for the victim, Celia, her family said:
“She faces the difficult journey of rebuilding her life from the ground up. Any donation, no matter the amount, will help provide essentials, temporary housing, clothing, and support as she gets back on her feet.”
Anyone wishing to donate can do so here.
Will the insurance company not replace all the lost items?
In December 2025, Gov.UK published a report called Fire Safety: Solar Voltaic Panels on Roofs.
At 2.3 in the report it states: “The presence of PV modules complicates firefighting operations by obstructing access to the roof, limiting vertical ventilation, and introducing additional electrical hazards. During daylight hours, a significant portion of the electrical system may remain energised, creating a constant hazard for emergency responders.”
171 incidents of solar fires were recorded at the end of 2024, yet the gung ho approach of roof mounted PV is encouraged by the government and endorsed by “do good” ecomaniacs.
With huge discounts offered to homeowners, there are plenty of “installers” willing to fit them, in all probability not even knowing what types of roofs are suitable. It is just “easy money” until this happens!
A large amount of people DO NOT have any insurance for their homes or contents. Why bother when others will cough up and help pay for it?