UPDATED: CANDLE BLAMED AS FLAT CATCHES FIRE IN CENTRAL VENTNOR

Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a block of flats in Ventnor tonight (Thursday) which has already caused significant damage to a top floor property. 2 appliances from Sandown and Shanklin are on scene at Dudley Road where fire crews are currently working to contain and extinguish a fire within a 2nd floor flat. Black smoke can be seen billowing from the window with an orange glow emitting from inside the address. Firefighters are using breathing apparatus and hose reel jets to douse the flames with a safety jet standing by. Unconfirmed reports suggest the fire was started by accident as a result of a candle being lit earlier in the evening. The alarm was raised just before 19:40 with residents quickly evacuating the block. UPDATE Friday – It has been confirmed that no one was injured as a result of the fire, but the occupants have had to seek alternative accomodation. The British Red Cross Emergency Response Team attended the scene last night and assisted in making arrangements for the flat’s occupants.