Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is tackling a property blaze in the South Wight village of Whitwell this morning (Tuesday).
Multiple appliances are on scene at Bannock Road, where a fire has taken hold of a detached bungalow.
Crews from Newport, Shanklin, Sandown, Ryde and Ventnor are working to contain and extinguish the fire, which broke out shortly before 07:50.
UPDATE @ 08:34 – 5 appliances, the Incident Command Unit and a water carrier are now in attendance, with crews continuing to battle the blaze.
It appears the fire has consumed the living room and has spread to the roof space, but has been prevented from spreading to nearby properties with main jets and breathing apparatus currently being utilised.
Island Echo understands 1 person – an elderly woman – is being cared for by neighbours. She is also receiving first aid from firefighters.
Police are also on scene, although there is no indication at this stage that the fire is suspicious in nature.
UPDATE @ 08:36 – The fire has ripped through almost the entire property and has destroyed the roof, which has collapsed.
Fire crews are gaining control of the fire but will be on scene for several hours yet.
UPDATE @ 09:37 – An elderly woman, who was helped from the burning property by neighbours, is now being treated by paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
Station Manager Chris Thearle, the tactical advisor for the incident, has confirmed that fire crews were called at 07:44 and arrived to find the property well alight. SM Thearle has said that 1 person had exited the property ahead of the arrival of fire crews, who have used 2 main jets to tackle the blaze externally.
The fire is now out but work continues to turn over and damp down. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but Police do not believe it to be suspicious and are now standing down from the incident.
The Britsh Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support vehicle has arrived to support those affected by the incident, including arranging alternative accommodation.
UPDATE @ 10:20 – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that the bungalow has suffered 80% damage from the fire, which has been extinguished using 6 sets of breathing apparatus, 2 hose reels and 3 jets.
The incident is now being scaled down to just 1 fire engine following the stop message being sent at 9:41.
Well done to our island fire brigade, glad the lady is safe, is it me or are firemen getting smaller these days?
Bit like the Police
They use to have an height policy.