Fire crews from East Cowes and Newport were called to the GKN aircraft factory in Clarance Road, East Cowes just after 11.45am today (Saturday May 1).

Fire fighters in breathing apparatus are tackling a blaze that is thought to have started in an auto-clave unit. Approximately 10 fire fighters and three officers are on the scene dealing with the incident.

A spokesman for IW Fire service said that service will be here for sometime whilst crews deal with the fire. Clarence Road is closed whilst we deal with the incident.

Watch Manager Melvin Richards from IW Fire Service said” Crews are working with GKN Staff to contain the fire. Eight staff have been evacuated from the area of the fire, whilst fire-fighters deal with the 345 degree fire that is billowing smoke . The fire has now been contained in an auto-clave unit that is used to manufacture layered fibre glass. We are now waiting for the temperature to drop within the industrial oven so we can put the fire out.

Crew manager Richards went on to say “The crews would be here for several hours whilst they wait for the temperature to down he confirmed that no one has been injured.”