UPDATED: 5 fire appliances have been called to a property fire in Gurnard, Cowes this afternoon (Monday).
2 appliances from Newport, 2 from Ryde and 1 appliance from East Cowes are all on scene at Cockleton Lane, next to Gurnard Pines.
The alarm was raised at around 11:45.
The property is well alight with black smoke billowing into the sky.
Thankfully, all persons are said to be accounted for.
UPDATE @ 12:52 – Crews have surrounded the property and are bringing the blaze under control, however a large section of the bungalow has already been consumed by the fire.
2 water carriers from Ventnor and Freshwater are now on scene to assist the firefighting efforts. A water dam has been established to hold and deliver the vital supply.
The Incident Command Unit from Newport is now also in attendance.
Cockleton Lane has been closed in both directions whilst the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service deal with the incident in hand.
UPDATE @ 13:36 – The firefighting efforts continue this afternoon almost 2 hours after the fire began.
Crews from across the Island are winning the battle and appear to have prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby woodland and properties.
UPDATE @ 14:55 – 8 fire appliances and more than 40 firefighters are now on scene in Gurnard, including crews from Freshwater and Shanklin.
Engineers from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and Southern Water have arrived at Cockleton Lane alongside the Isle of Wight Council and Hampshire Constabulary.
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed that it is believed the fire started in the roof space of the property and that 1 person, an elderly female, has been checked over by paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
Workshop engineers from Newport Fire Station are assisting with the operation by fueling vehicles and ensuring all machinery is working correctly. The BA support van from Ryde is also on scene.
UPDATE @ 15:14 – Resources from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have been drafted in to maintain a safe level of fire cover on the Isle of Wight.
2 appliances have travelled across the Solent from Southampton to East Cowes – Hightown (56) have gone to Ryde Fire Station, whilst St Mary’s (54) have gone to Newport.
UPDATE TUESDAY – The entire property has been destroyed by fire, leaving a family with nothing.
Island Echo understands that refurbishment works taking place within the property are suspected to have led to the ignition.
