The fire-damaged house in Marsh Road, Gurnard. Picture by Pete Boam
THE boss of Vestas Technology has praised Islanders who rallied round to help, after a blaze caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to his family’s eco-friendly home in Gurnard, early on Christmas Eve.
Rob Sauven and his wife, Maggie, said the community rounded up emergency scaffolders, called builders and offered food and refreshments to the family over the Christmas period.
Now, Rob, Maggie and the couple’s two children are waiting to see how much it will cost to repair damage to the timber construction building, which incorporates cutting-edge heating and water systems.
The blaze, on the first floor of the home in Marsh Road, broke out in a woodburning stove at around 2am on Thursday last week.
Firefighters from East Cowes, Newport and Sandown were called, supported by the Bronto Skylift and two command units.
They prevented the fire from spreading through the home, at one stage ripping down parts of the ceiling to stop the blaze.
Rob said: "We were very lucky. Everything about the way the house was designed contained the fire.
"We all got out and the firemen did a fantastic job. Not only did they put the fire out but helped clear up."
He also praised neighbours and friends in Gurnard village who did an 'amazing job’ getting in scaffolders and roofers to start repairs on the building.
He said: "We had Tony Hathaway who co-ordinated getting the builders in, as well as Rob Procter and Mark Luter.
"I don’t think anywhere else but the Isle of Wight could have managed that. We feel very privileged.
"Everything got water damaged but at the end of the day, it is only material things."
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk