Firefighters are tackling a large blaze at a derelict hotel in Sandown this evening (Saturday).
*Scroll and refresh for updates*
Early on Sunday morning (May 9), Island Roads said Sandown High Street had reopened.
It was also being reported that The Esplanade was back to normal.
The following was reported on the evening of Saturday May 8:
Crews are at the Ocean Hotel on Sandown Seafront.
Eight pumps and two aerial appliances are at the incident, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
Flames could be seen by onlookers in the town.
The fire service said the fire had spread to the building's second and third floors, as well as roof space.
Firefighters were first alerted at 8.25pm.
BREAKING: Major fire at the derelict Ocean Hotel, Sandown. Read more: https://www.iwradio.co.uk/news/isle-of-wight-news/firefighters-tackling-blaze-at-sandowns-derelict-ocean-hotel/
Posted by Isle of Wight Radio on Saturday, May 8, 2021
Sandown Esplanade was been closed by police, as has Sandown High Street.
Buses were diverting.
Routes 3 & 8 towards Newport are unable to serve Sandown until further notice.
— Southern Vectis (@SouthernVectis) May 8, 2021
There is a fire on Sandown High St - emergency service units are in attendance.
*Updated
The hotel, which has remained derelict for a number of years, was sold to Phoenix Commercial Property Development Limited only last month (April).
Photo from Ben Cairns.
Quantuma LLP and Philip Duffy of Kroll Ltd, joint liquidators of companies in the former Carlauren Group, completed the sale of the freehold.
Prior to that, the building had been 'claimed' by a group of squatters. They reportedly moved on at the end of March, following positive talks with the organisations running the site.
*Updated
Thick black smoke could be seen billowing over Sandown.
Police moved people from a section of the beach, and a cordon went into place along the Esplanade.
*Updated
Police were evacuating the area as they urged Islanders to stay away.
We are currently assisting the fire service at a fire at a hotel in High Street, Sandown. A number of roads are closed near the hotel and we are asking some people to evacuate the area.
— Isle of Wight Police (@IOWightPolice) May 8, 2021
Please, if you do not need to be in the area, stay away. pic.twitter.com/ORCF8OZqWn
*Updated
Isle of Wight Radio's Jamie White is at the scene with the very latest...
LIVE: Fire breaks out at the derelict Ocean Hotel in Sandown!
Posted by Isle of Wight Radio on Saturday, May 8, 2021
*Updated
Coastguard teams arrived at the scene to assist with safety.
*Updated
Islanders are rallying together as emergency services remain at the scene.
Locals say the restaurants along the Esplanade have been offering drinks to crews.
Nearby residents are being asked to close windows and doors until the blaze is put out completely.
⚠️🪟 @IOWightPolice and our crews ask that those nearby close all windows and doors this evening until we have tackled the fire.
— Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (@HantsIOW_fire) May 8, 2021
More follows.