THREE people have been taken to hospital this afternoon (Tuesday), suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation, following a house fire in Arctic Road, Cowes.
Scroll down for a video of an interview with the incident commander...
Flames broke out on the ground floor and spread through the terraced property.
The occupants were alerted by a working smoke alarm on the first floor.
Neighbouring homes have also been evacuated while firefighters remain on the scene and Arctic Road is currently blocked.
Five Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue crews, from Newport, Cowes and Ryde, were called to the scene.
Speaking to the County Press, Justin Harden, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service's operational assets group manager said the occupants, two adults aged in their twenties and one in their sixties escaped the property after they were alerted by a working smoke alarm.
He said when appliances first arrived, the fire was quite intense and it was coming out of the property.
Mr Harden said: "Quite a large amount of smoke was generating concerns around the adjacent properties.
"It is a terrace, so we very quickly made the fire appliances five and our command unit is now on the scene as well."
Describing the damage to the house, Mr Harden said there is 'extensive damage' to the ground floor, 'significant' smoke damage to the first and water damage throughout.
He said: "Using positive pressure fans, we have moved the smoke away from the adjoining properties, reducing the damage."
The damping down process has now started, ensuring the fire is actually put out.
An investigation into the blaze is also underway.
Mr Harden described it as a real team effort, as other members of the emergency services helped on site.
Electricity engineers have also been on the scene.
Islanders are being reminded of the importance of working smoke alarms.
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