Fire Extinguished At Former Sandown Hotel As Police Investigate
Police are investigating a major fire at a derelict hotel in Sandown after firefighters from the Isle of Wight and mainland were called to tackle the blaze in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The fire broke out at the former Esplanade Hotel at around 3.30am on Sunday (11 October), after smoke was seen rising from the seafront building, which once hosted Jimi Hendrix.
Fire crews were mobilised from across the Island, with support from mainland firefighters, as the incident escalated.
The fire has now been extinguished, but firefighters and police remain at the scene while investigations into the cause get underway.
The area is being treated as a potential crime scene.
High Street remains closed around its junction with Albert Road, while Esplanade has reopened to pedestrians. Restrictions remain in place immediately outside the former hotel.
Residents were previously advised to keep doors and windows closed because of smoke in the area. The incident also prompted warnings that water supplies could become discoloured as firefighters drew water from nearby hydrants.
The building has been affected by fires before, including incidents in July 2020 and September 2025.
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