Fire crews are tackling a property blaze effecting a row of terraced houses immediately next door to the fire station in Ventnor this evening (Friday). The fire began at around 17:30 and has developed into a significant incident, with smoke issuing from the roof space of a number of family homes. This evening’s blaze has broken out directly next door to Ventnor Fire Station, however, the retained crew have not responded to the shout. The first appliance on scene was from Shanklin, which utilised special permission to pass through the road closure at Leeson Road. 6 appliances from Shanklin, Sandown, Ryde, Newport, Freshwater and Cowes are now on scene alongside an aerial ladder platform from Ryde. 
The temporary incident command vehicle is also present managing the operational response. Firefighting efforts continue with the Aerial Platform being utilised to remove roof tiles, with the flat roof of Ventnor Fire Station also being used as an access point. 
All persons are thought to be safe and accounted for. UPDATE @ 20:21 – Fire crews have successfully extinguished the blaze, removing roof tiles to expose the fire damaged wooden structure. Damping down continues with crews expected to remain on scene for several hours. Island Echo is told that at least 3 properties have been damaged, either through fire or water damage. A 4th may have suffered some negative effects also. 
The Incident Commander is already scaling back the response with Freshwater, Ryde and Cowes crews stood down. Several appliances from the mainland have been drafted in to provide Islandwide fire cover and to act as relief. A fire investigator has also been requested. It has been confirmed to Island Echo that Ventnor Fire Station is unaffected. 
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