A large blaze has broken out at a derelict hotel in Sandown overnight, with firefighters from across the Isle of Wight and the mainland working to contain and extinguish the fire.
It was at around 03:30 this morning (Sunday) that Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to smoke rising from the former Esplanade Hotel, famous for once hosting Jimi Hendrix.
Crews were quickly mobilised, but the flames had already taken hold resulting in the incident being scaled up.
Now, firefighters from across the Island – assisted by mainland counterparts – are working to contain the blaze, douse the flames, and bring the incident to a close.
Nearby residents are advised to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke in the area. Some households may experience a discolouration to their water supplies as water is pulled from nearby hydrants.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service says it will continue to have a presence at the scene for the next few hours.
Both High Street and Esplanade remain closed to all traffic, with cordons in place.
Southern Vectis says Route 2 and 3 buses will operate via Broadway in both directions, with buses towards Ryde waiting at The Heights.
Route 8 buses are diverting via Broadway too, with waiting time at The Heights, but then continuing along Avenue Road and Fort Street to rejoin a normal route to/from Bembridge.
It is not the first time fire has broken out at the former Esplanade Hotel. In July 2020, firefighters were called to the property following a break-in, with 2 separate seats of fire discovered inside the building. More recently, in September 2025, an early hours blaze spread across the first, second and third floors.
The latest incident is part of a wider pattern of fires at derelict hotels in Sandown in recent years. The former Ocean Hotel – next door to the Esplanade – was devastated by a major blaze in May 2021, while the Parkbury Hotel was hit by fire in August 2025. The Cygnet Hotel suffered extensive damage during a significant blaze in October 2025, before firefighters were called to the property again in May 2026. Other former hotels, including the Tarvic2 and Royal Cliff, have also been affected by fires, with repeated incidents raising concerns about trespassing, anti-social behaviour and the dangers posed by long-abandoned buildings in the town.
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