A specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team from Hampshire have been called to the scene of yesterday’s fatal property fire in Newport this morning (Friday).
The specially trained team, who are rarely seen on the Isle of Wight, have been drafted in to check the safety of the building after a blaze ripped through the Pan Estate bungalow at just before 05:30 yesterday.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are still ongoing and crews are expected to remain on scene for the rest of today and possibly into the weekend. All possible causes are being looked at by multiple agencies, including Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Investigation unit.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks are working alongside the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and Police after physically cutting the power supply to the building yesterday lunchtime.
The incident is currently being treated as unexplained by Police, who are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
A community contact vehicle has been set up at the junction of Ash Road to offer local residents general fire safety advice. A free smoke alarm fitting service is also being offered.
It has been confirmed that the body of the deceased 79-year-old male – named locally as Dennis Driscoll – was removed from the scene late yesterday afternoon.
