Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are tackling a fire in an outbuilding behind Stotesbury’s fish and chip shop in the centre of Newport this morning (Thursday).
5 appliances from Newport, Cowes and Ryde are on the scene at Upper St James’ Street.
At just before 07:00, locals noticed black smoke billowing into the early morning sky coming from the rear of the chippy between the row of shops and Geoff Leather funeral directors.
Swift action by fire crews has contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading to nearby properties.
4 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus have entered an alleyway that runs down the side of the takeaway equipped with hose reels, with firefighting action also being taken from the outside in Geoff Leather’s car park and Bowling Green Lane.
Island Echo is told that the outbuilding has been severely damaged, with minimal damage – mainly caused by the smoke – to the chip shop itself.
The one-way road has been closed to all motorists and pedestrians between South Street and Orchard Street.
UPDATE @ 07:46 – The fire has now been extinguished with positive pressure ventilation used to clear lingering smoke from the property.
Crews are continuing to damp down.
Meanwhile, Paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service have now arrived on scene – but it is unclear at this stage if any injuries have occurred.
Who’s the chap putting water on top of Asbestos roof lol pretty fire proof and water repellent for sure
Asbestos can explode under too much heat.
Google “spalling”
Why are the ambulance guys there. With their hands in pockets. When they are needed elsewhere.