An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of a serious flat fire in Bembridge last night (Thursday), which has left a woman in her 50s fighting for her life.
Emergency services were mobilised to Crossway – at the junction with Walls Road – at 20:43 after receiving reports of smoke billowing out of a top floor flat, as first reported by Island Echo.
The first firefighters on scene – from Sandown and Shanklin – forced entry to the property and quickly located an unresponsive woman. She was pulled from the burning building and CPR was immediately commenced, whilst efforts also got underway to contain and extinguish the blaze.
Additional crews from Ryde, Newport and Cowes were drafted in, including the Incident Command Unit and an Aerial Ladder Platform. A total of 6 breathing apparatus were used.
The British Red Cross also attended the scene to assist those who were displaced by the fire, who were being cared for in the nearby Bembridge Fire Station.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service mobilised a paramedic crew and 2 officers, who worked alongside firefighters in the battle to save the casualty’s life. Police were also in attendance and created a sterile environment.
Thanks to the swift actions of fire crews and effective resuscitation, the casualty was transferred to Bembridge Airport by land ambulance and into Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter for onward conveyance to Southampton General Hospital’s Major Trauma Unit, where she remains in a serious condition.
Sadly, it’s understood that a cat perished in the fire.
Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance was also scrambled to the incident but was stood down whilst overhead.
Specialist fire investigators officers from the mainland are at the scene of the fire this morning as they work to piece together the events of Thursday night in a bid to determine the ultimate cause.
Hampshire Constabulary’s forensic investigators have also travelled across from the mainland.
The fire is not deemed to be suspicious at this stage.
Cordons remain in place around the block of flats but roads in the area have re-opened.
Firefighters will visit neighbouring properties today to carry out post-fire activity, including Safe and Well checks.
Where was Bembridge appliance?
Off the run not enough crew
Unfortunately there aren’t any volunteers to carry on the good work of previous volunteers.