The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) has confirmed an investigation is underway to determine whether hot works being carried out at Ventnor Fire Station caused a major fire in an adjacent building.  

On Friday, June 14, fire crews from across the Isle of Wight tackled a house fire next door to Ventnor Fire Station.

HIWFRS has conceded the most likely cause of that fire was hot works being carried out by contractors to seal the roof of the station. 

Last week, the fire service were alerted a property fire on South Street in Ventnor at around 5.30pm and six fire engines were called to the scene.

Crews from Cowes, Freshwater, Newport, Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin all attended.

(Image: Claire Schroeder)

It was later confirmed firefighters from the neighbouring Ventnor Fire Station were not in attendance. 

The fire happened within a terraced home, with crews spotted on the roof of the affected property and the aerial platform, removing roof tiles to allow the smoke to clear.

After the roof tiles were removed, firefighters used hose reel jets to bring the blaze under control, with other crews entering the property from the street.

(Image: Claire Schroeder)

The view from North Street showed the fire had spread through the terrace roofs, affecting more than one property.

HIWFRS has since revealed an independent review into the specific circumstances concerning the blaze is underway.

James Lucy, assistant director of operations for the service, said: “We recognise that this incident has significantly impacted our neighbours and caused some concern across the community.

"We will be reaching out to those affected and offering our full support following this unfortunate event.

“We are taking this matter extremely seriously and there will be a thorough and independent review into the specific circumstances.

“Our preliminary investigation has shown that the most likely cause of the fire was hot works being carried out by contractors to seal the roof of Ventnor fire station. 

"Hot work is regularly undertaken during construction and maintenance projects and requires careful and active risk management. 

"Our contractor followed due process to secure a permit for the works, which included completing a full risk assessment prior to starting the works on the roof.

"The permit requires that measures are put in place to mitigate identified risks as far as possible.”

(Image: IWCP)