A female casualty is being treated by paramedics following a fire in a residential garage in Ventnor this evening (Saturday).
Fire appliances from Shanklin, Sandown and Ryde are on scene at Spring Gardens, where a small fire in amongst a bag of garden waste has broke out inside a detached garage.
The fire, which has been described as being small but producing a lot of smoke, has been extinguished.
A motorcade of emergency vehicles responded into Ventnor at around 19:10.
It is currently unclear how the incident started, but fire officers are conducting an investigation alongside Police to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
The garage has been cordoned off.
It has been confirmed to Island Echo that 2 persons were inside the building with 1 person now being treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.
Station Officer Julian Fountaine is reminding Islanders to ensure they regularly check outbuildings and ensure rubbish is stored properly, especially as the weather becomes drier and warmer.
The incident remains ongoing at this time, but emergency crews are beginning to stand down.
UPDATE @ 20:40 – Fire crews have now stood down from the incident, as have paramedics.
Police remain on scene and have been searching the local area.
It is thought that a male is being sought in connection with tonight’s fire.
UPDATE SUNDAY – The incident is now being investigated as a suspected act of arson.
A cordon has been established and Police are conducting door to door enquiries.
Read more on this development at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/arson-investigation-launched-after-garage-fire-with-woman-trapped-inside/.
