Fire crews from stations across the Isle of Wight have descended on Ventnor Esplanade tonight (Saturday) where smoke is issuing from the ironically named Smoking Lobster restaurant.
More than 5 appliances from Shanklin, Sandown, Newport, Cowes and Ryde are on scene – including an aerial ladder platform and the Incident Command Unit – having been called out at around 20:10.
Smoke can be seen issuing from the front of the premises, however, the situation appears to be under control.
Cordons have been erected and the Esplanade is currently closed to motoris
Island Echo is told that the incident stems from a faulty fuse box with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks engineers called out to isolate the supply.
It’s the second time Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have responded to the Esplanade at Ventnor this year, with the previous fire destroying the remains of the former Gaiety arcade next door.
UPDATE @ 21:06 – An hour after the alarm was raised, the fire has been extinguished and positive pressure ventilation is being used to rid smoke from the building.
The incident is being scaled back with some resources now being stood down.
It’s understood all persons were able to evacuate safely.
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