Investigation To Start Into Sandown Hotel "Structurally Unsafe" After Fire

More than 45 firefighters were called to tackle a fire at a derelict hotel in Sandown, Isle of Wight, last night (Saturday), including appliances and crews from the mainland who'd arrived by sea to provide cover.

Police confirmed this morning that no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Crews from Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, Ventnor, East Cowes and Cowes reported being called to the former Ocean Hotel in High Street at 8.25pm.

(The Ocean Hotel, Sandown — Photo: © Alfie In The Air https://alfieintheair.co.uk/)

A caller reported seeing black smoke coming from the roof — and several further calls were received by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s (HIWFRS) Control Room.

All floors of the four-storey hotel were affected, with flames also visible in the roof.

Fifteen sets of breathing apparatus, five main jets and two aerial ladder platforms were used to bring the fire under control.

Firefighters from Fareham, Hightown, Southsea and Droxford were sent over by ferry late last night to provide relief and further cover for the Island.

The "stop message" came in at 04:30 — but further inspections of the hotel's remains were expected today, Sunday.

Group Manager Justin Harden said:

"Teams worked hard in difficult conditions, particularly early on with challenging wind conditions.

"Crews adapted their tactics accordingly to manage this.

"I’d like to add my thanks to crews from across the Island who worked throughout the night and to the crews from Hampshire who provided support and resilience.

"This was a multi-agency effort and we were well supported by Isle of Wight Police, Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, Southern Electricity, Southern Water, Isle of Wight Council’s emergency planning duty officer, the Coastguard, the Environment Agency and South Central Ambulance Services Hazardous Area Response Team, all of whom helped deal with this situation and manage the wider considerations.

"Whilst the site will be secured, areas of the hotel are structurally unstable as a result of the fire.

"I would now appeal for the public to stay away from the site for their own safety and so that reinspections can be carried out."

The cause of the fire is not yet known but staff said it will now be investigated.

On behalf of Isle of Wight Police, Sergeant Sharland added:

"I would like to say thank you to the public and press, who were supportive and understanding as we closed off large areas of the town to create safe working space for the Fire Service and ensure the public remained safe from the fallout of smoke.

"It was wonderful to see the public spirit in Sandown, and support for our emergency services."

Police welcome reports of information associated with last night's fire, to the 101 number, and quoting reference 44210177386.