Strathclyde Fire Preservation Group
Hampshire Constabulary are working alongside the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to establish the exact circumstances of yesterday’s fire at the derelict Parkbury Hotel in Sandown.
As first reported by Echo of the IslandSeveral fire crews were mobilized to The Broadway at 7:00 p.m. just after smoke was seen coming from the roof of the old hotel.
6 pumping devices from Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, East Cowes, Cowes and Freshwater, an aerial ladder platform from Newport and the Newport Incident Command Unit were all mobilized for the incident, at the alongside the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and Police.
Mainland firefighters were mobilized to maintain fire cover on the island.
The situation was quickly brought under control, saving the building from destruction. Crews used main jets, reel jets and breathing apparatus to contain the fire on the ground and 1st floors.
Suspicions have been raised as to the cause of the blaze – the latest in a series of fires at derelict buildings in the Bay area. However, police say it is too early to say whether the incident is being treated as arson.
Officers are conducting investigations, including watching CCTV from nearby Bay CE School on Grove Road.
A Hampshire Police spokesperson said Echo of the Island:
“We are working closely with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Services to determine the exact circumstances which led to the incident. However, we are in the very early stages of our investigations, so we cannot confirm whether or not this is suspicious at this time.
“No arrests have been made.”
