Firefighters are tackling a lineside fire in Ashey on the outskirts of Ryde this afternoon (Monday).
2 appliances from Ryde are in attendance to the rear of Ashey Garage, where a small fire has broke out on the western bank of the Steam Railway line, between Havenstreet and Smallbrook Junction.
Fire crews are using beaters and 2 hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.
The alarm was raised at just before 15:57 when plumes of white smoke could be seen from some distance around. However, the small fire has now been brought under control.
It comes as temperatures hit 30c in Ryde with tinder dry conditions.
UPDATE @ 16:45 – With the fire extinguished and the area dampened down, firefighters have now stood down from the incident.
If you see a fire in the countryside, contact the fire service immediately on 999. Do not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with a bucket of water.
Remember, do not discard cigarettes or other smoking materials in the countryside. It is also important to clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire.
Always take extra care if using a barbecue and only light fires or BBQs in designated areas. Never leave a campfire or BBQ unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them.
Was it caused by a stray spark from a train or another reason? Anybody know? Not much they can do about it either way apart from stopping the trains, which would be a shame for the tourists.
Tar mac all the railway tracks and turn them into much needed additional road space, as our Island houses more and more people.
Trains died for a reason, too costly to maintain, needing skilled drivers, track needs constant checking and attention, slow, cumbersome, never stop where you want, expensive, not green, passengers liable to rape assault as each carriage can’t be staffed, etc etc
Probably the steam train that uses the track that’s responsible, more trips will be along soon…
Wonder if there’s a way of damping down the trackside as the train goes through, an additional water carriage?
A far more efficient use of water would be to have a pressurised fine mist water spray, spraying the top section of a fine meshed funnel placed upon the chimney on the train
This would dampen all sparks leaving the engine and cut down on soot emissions too
It would use way less water than trying to wet the entire verges for miles.
I could take the idea to the Dragons Den but can’t be bothered and IF I did, I would take the 100 grand suitcase and blow the lot, and forget the plan, hence don’t bother