UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Daylight has made clear the destruction caused by a large blaze that has gutted a school in Lake this morning (Friday).
As previously reported, fire crews from across the Island have been tackling a blaze at Island Learning Centre on Manor Road, Lake since midnight after it appears a mini-bus fire spread to the school building.
The former Broadlea Primary School has been completely destroyed, as these photographs captured this morning reveal.
In a statement released this morning, the Isle of Wight Council have said:
“A fire was reported at the Island Learning Centre, Manor Road, Lake (on the site of the former Broadlea Primary School) at around midnight on the morning of 17 July 2015. The fire service has responded and the fire is now under control; the site is being dampened down.
“There are no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is as yet unknown.
“Teams will be on site to assess the scene and secure the site later this morning.
“Today is the last day of term. Pupils and parents are advised not to visit the site today as the Island Learning Centre will be closed.
Article continues below this advertisement “The Isle of Wight Council owns the site and is working closely with staff from the school at this time. Parents and pupils will be contacted with updates as necessary.
“Manor Road, Berry Hill in Lake is closed. No other roads are affected.
“Broadlea Primary School, next door to the Island Learning Centre, remains open.
“There is no access from Manor Road. Pupils should access the Broadlea Primary School via the main entrance on Newport Road. Diversions for children accessing Broadlea Primary School will be in place and staff will be in attendance to assist.
“A telephone line has been set up for concerned Island Learning Centre parents to call: 01983 823494 – from 7.30am.”
An investigation into the cause of the blaze it due to get underway at 09:00. It is currently unknown if the incident is being treated as suspicious.
UPDATE @ 08:25 – Three pumping appliances and the aerial ladder appliance remain on the scene this morning.
Crews are damping down areas that continue to smoulder.
The van that initially caught fire – and is believed to have led to the blaze – has been identified as a VW Caravelle T4, which appears to be partially mounted on the kerb.
Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s Incident Commander, Dean Hayward updates:
UPDATE @ 13:34 – An investigation into the cause of the blaze is still ongoing this afternoon.
The assistance of specialist fire investigation dogs from Hampshire has been called upon as part of the Hampshire Arson Task Force.
The dogs, Harvey and Ruby, can help determine whether or not a fire has been started deliberately by smelling out ignitable substances.
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