Fire crews from stations across the Isle of Wight have descended on Ventnor Esplanade tonight (Saturday) where smoke is issuing from the ironically named Smoking Lobster restaurant.
More than 5 appliances from Shanklin, Sandown, Newport, Cowes and Ryde are on scene – including an aerial ladder platform and the Incident Command Unit – having been called out at around 20:10.
Smoke can be seen issuing from the front of the premises, however, the situation appears to be under control.
Cordons have been erected and the Esplanade is currently closed to motorists.
Island Echo is told that the incident stems from a faulty fuse box with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks engineers called out to isolate the supply.
It’s the second time Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have responded to the Esplanade at Ventnor this year, with the previous fire destroying the remains of the former Gaiety arcade next door.
UPDATE @ 21:06 – An hour after the alarm was raised, the fire has been extinguished and positive pressure ventilation is being used to rid smoke from the building.
The incident is being scaled back with some resources now being stood down.
It’s understood all persons were able to evacuate safely.
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A bit of an over the top response, no? Or have I got no clue how any of this works.
It’s not just about putting out a fire. It’s making sure people are evacuated safely, securing any potential gas leaks, public safety, on scene treatment for any smoke inhalation/burns, checking for any structural damage, threat to life – need I continue?
But in response to your original question even though rhetorical, then no, you have no clue how any of this works.
More the merrier
The Fire service cannot rely on retain crews manning their appilances, so full time crews have to back up attendances .
where was the Ventnor engine? to be honest if it was my place I’d sooner have a permanent crew anyway even if they do have to drive from Newport
Yes, wildly over the top, I was there, no smoke, no fire, nothing. Just a lot of firemen wandering about and wasting our taxes.
If your home or business was on fire would you object to three appliances turning up to make you safe?
Agreed but no good 3 turning up 20mins when fire station is around 3 mins away. Time is most important factor 1st until other resources arrive as fire takes hold in mins,by time fire brigade arrive often too late and they can only control a fire not stop it, recent death in Bembridge,thatched house, bungalow in Whitwell destroyed waiting for engine from Newport etc. No one is knocking front line fireman who are exceptional and brave,but systems and limited fire appliances are putting public at risk , would rather pay my taxes to fire service than law breaking benefit cheats/druggies etc. One engine was 18miles away in Cowes – what if was a fire in Cowes? probably send Ventnor appliance ?.
agreed, seems this new lot running it from the mainland are flying by the seat of their pants!
I can only, but politely, shew you pity for your lack of general knowledge, understanding of the particular situation concerned (I was actually there), and your evident anger problems with other issues. Good luck, sir. However, the fire brigade, locals, and customers of the restaurant all acted very well in what could have been a dire situation. A shame you weren’t about with your expert knowledge when greedy sods torched the Gaiety and nearly burned down the seafront intentionally.
Yes you don’t have a clue!!!!! Paper hat
So a fire breaks out in Ventnor and multiple fire appliances respond, but not the nearest, from Ventnor itself. Same as the tragic fatal fire in Bembridge not too long ago. What would have happened if Bembridge had responded? Possibly saved a life! So why no Ventnor crew to this fire in the town they serve?
It’s almost like Ventnor need a fire engine that’s available.
Well if you will encourage lobsters to smoke……
A fantasticly prompt and professional response to an electrical fire which threatened family businesses and seafront treasures, beloved by locals. Namely a popular, thriving restaurant and Blake’s Longshoremen’s Museum. Well done, Isle of Wight Fire Brigade. Situation handled expertly, once again. Thankfully this Ventnor fire was not intended and no greed, or covering up, was involved.
but not from the local engine up the road, & that’s worrying, especially when life could be in danger, I understand there was no one in danger, this time, & that’s a good thing, but who knows what the future holds & that surely should be addressed by the big wigs, on big money, sat on the mainland running OUR fire brigade
It’s not arson remember, that doesn’t happen over here on the island, despite a garage full of evidence.
So, no appliance from Ventnor? – If the information in this report is correct there is something seriously wrong here!
Why do we have a fire engine in Ventnor if nobody uses it?
Retain stations do have full timer attendees when off duty from their positions at Newport & Ryde. So as for having retain or full time response, it matters not. The lack of retainers is possibly down to industry. From the 50s – 80s a lot more people worked in the town they lived in, with their bosses allowing them to leave & respond to a call. This sadly is no longer the case of which FIRE & RNLI have been affected by. With places like Bem & Yarm having both services to call on. As for the cause of the fire, I guess they will look at who signed off the electrics & certified as safe. Good luck with that!!
A spokesperson for the fire service said,” The place was evacuated and secured,and the crustacean directed to the NHS website and it’s advice towards the cessation of smoking help available.”