Thatch roof ablaze in Freshwater, Isle of Wight

Control mobilised Isle of Wight crews to a thatch roof fire on Moons Hill this morning, after several calls from locals, from 5:37am onwards.

Crews from Newport, Freshwater, Cowes, Ventnor, Shanklin and Sandown were sent to the incident to tackle the blaze, with the road having to be closed due to the number of resources on the scene.

Fortunately there were no casualties involved.

Residents were advised to close windows and doors as the fire, which originated from the chimney, spread across the thatch roof causing lots of smoke.

Specialist support vehicles were also called to the scene including the aerial ladder platform and environmental protection unit.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus sets are using hose reels and jets to extinguish the fire.

*UPDATE 10:30*

The incident is now being scaled down with three fire engines set to remain in attendance to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.