Police have confirmed that a fire at the Ocean Hotel in Sandown is being treated as arson, but the exact cause has not yet been established and no arrests have made.
Shortly before 20:30 on Saturday night, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to smoke billowing from the roof of the derelict building on Sandown Esplanade. The incident soon developed and 8 fire engines plus 2 aerial ladder platforms were drafted in to tackle the blaze and stop it from spreading.
More than 45 firefighters spent hours fighting the flames, including crews from Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, Ventnor, East Cowes and Cowes. They used 5 main jets along with 15 sets of breathing apparatus to bring the fire under control.
Mainland appliances were mobilised to provide cover across the Island and South Central Ambulance Service’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) were also deployed to the Isle of Wight to support the emergency efforts. Police and HM Coastguard were also involved in the multi-agency operation.
A fire investigation began early on Saturday morning with specialist fire dogs from Hampshire utilised to sniff out any accelerant.
Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed to Island Echo that the exact cause of the blaze has not been established at this time. Enquiries remain ongoing, but no arrests have been made.
Yesterday afternoon 2 appliances were sent back to the Ocean Hotel when an alarm was heard sounding. It was soon confirmed that the fire had not re-ignited.
Significant damage has been caused to the building with the heat, flames, and water used to extinguish the fire rendering areas of the building structurally unstable and members of the public urged to stay away from the site – now and in the future – for their own safety.
Anyone with information to assist us, or perhaps has any Dash Cam footage or CCTV from the area, is encouraged to call police on 101, quoting 44210177386. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.
No surprises about cause so soon after its been bought now wait for planning permission to turn into luxury flats !!