Firefighters are rushing to the scene of a large fire that has broken out in central Cowes this lunchtime (Monday).
It was just before 11:55 that smoke began to billow into the sky from a commercial premises on the High Street, not far from the Red Jet terminal.
That smoke has become thicker and blacker, indicating the blaze is growing in size and intensity.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has fire crews on scene, with efforts underway to bring the incident under control.
The seat of the fire appears to be coming from the middle of a building that sits between Terminus Road, High Street and Carvel Lane.
UPDATE @ 12:54 – Efforts to contain and extinguish the blaze continue more than an hour after the fire broke out, with crews gaining access to the rear of the Pier View Pub and The Butcher’s Shop.
4 pumping appliances from Newport, Ryde, Shanklin and East Cowes – and an aerial ladder platform from Ryde – are on the fire ground, with firefighters using main jets and hose reels to tackle the flames.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that the fire has broken out in a kitchen, although the exact cause is yet to be determined.
Firefighters have successfully rescued a number of pets, including a cat and a guinea pig.
Parts of the High Street have been cordoned off as firefighting efforts continue. Many roads in the area have been blocked, with no vehicular access to the Red Jet terminal.
M&S Foodhall nearby has decided to close due to the smoke in the area.
Southern Vectis says that its Route 1 buses via Roundhouse will terminate and wait at Cowes Fire Station, whilst Route 1 buses via Park and Ride will terminate and wait at Rashley’s.
UPDATE @ 15:45 – The area remains closed with an emergency road closure in place at where Park Road becomes Terminus Road at the cross roads with Granville Road and Union Road.
An additional 2 Operational Command Units have made the trip across the solent to support Isle of Wight firefighters.
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