Firefighters for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were mobilised to reports of a kitchen fire within a flat at a converted house in Niton on the 5th March 2014.
Upon the arrival of the first crews on scene, firefighters were initially delayed due to the narrow pillared entrance gateway meaning crews had to leave the pumping appliance on the main road and tackle the first with extinguishers before other resources arrived and were able to reach a nearer position.
One appliance made its way up the narrow entranced lane to Puckaster Lodge, however had to stop halfway up the lane, this pump was then fed by other appliances on the main road and used as a relay.
Firefighters soon established the fire, which is said to have started within a kitchen of one of the flats, had spread to other rooms.
Flames of around 20ft in height could be seen lapping into the sky as the once former cottage was becoming destroyed by fire.
A few hours into the incident, the building became fully engulfed with the roof of the property collapsing and destroying what was left of the rooms below.
Crews continued to battle the flames well into the evening, having been alerted to the developing incident at 17:15.
Due to the remote location of the fire, appliances on the ground were exhausting the mains water network meaning a water carrier from Freshwater Fire Station had to be drafted in to help keep up with the demand.
A damn was erected on the road with appliances relaying the water to the fire ground.
The property was surrounded by dense woodland, with fears that the surrounding countryside could in fact ignite.
Thankfully, it was confirmed that no one had been injured in the incident and no persons are believed to be trapped, however, several people were made homeless.
Several emergency service personnel were present at the scene including the fire service, British Red Cross, Isle of Wight Ambulance Service as a precaution and local police officers who closed the road and erected cordons around the area.
Engineers from SGN and SSEN were called to the incident alongside Isle of Wight Council's building control officers with fears the property would collapse.
A total of 7 flats were destroyed in the blaze, however, neighbouring properties were saved from any damage.
Around 8 fire appliances along with support vehicles were requested at the fire.
With crews having a number of team changes with support from other colleagues around the Island.
The fire was finally extinguished the following day.
6 сен 2024
