Animals Sadly Die In Ryde Flat Fire

A suspected electrical fault is believed to have caused a fire at a flat in central Ryde on Monday evening, tragically resulting in the deaths of animals inside the property.

Fire crews from Ryde, East Cowes and Shanklin were called to George Street shortly before 5pm after linked smoke alarms activated, alerting residents and allowing everyone inside the building to escape safely and without injury.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the ground-floor flat and used hose reels to tackle the blaze, which caused significant smoke and fire damage.

No human casualties were reported and ambulance teams were later stood down, but it has sadly been confirmed that animals – believed to be cats – did not survive.

The fire has now been fully extinguished and positive pressure ventilation was used to clear lingering smoke from the building.

Investigation work is ongoing to confirm the exact cause of the incident.

George Street was closed between the Esplanade and Cross Street while emergency services worked at the scene, with traffic diverted locally.