Fire crews from Shanklin, Sandown, Newport and Ryde are in attendance at a property fire in Shanklin this lunchtime (Saturday).
Smoke is issuing from a large detached property on Sandown Road, near the junction with Howard Road.
Firefighters are working to contain and extinguish the fire, which began at around 12:25.
5 appliances, an aerial ladder platform and the Incident Command Unit are on scene.
The main Lake to Shanklin road has been closed in both directions with motorists having to divert via Green Lane or Sandy Lane.
UPDATE @ 13:05 – It has been confirmed that the fire, located within a ground floor flat, has been extinguished.
Police and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service have also responded to the incident over fears that persons were trapped inside the burning building, but thankfully trhere have been no casualties.
UPDATE @ 15:00 – The road has now re-opened.
Is it time for hotels to catch fire yet
One expects with the rise in fuel prices, or as the fire brigade prefer to call such, ‘accelerants’, the rent an arsonist charge has risen.
However with the poor chances of ever getting such a good Summer as this has been, and with the public about to be plunged into the deepest, longest recession since the 30’s, many hotel, businesses and guest houses will likely seriously consider such a move, rather than a death by a thousand cuts.
Insurance companies must love this Island