A 200m safety cordon has been established around a scrapyard on the outskirts of Ryde as firefighters continue to tackle a large blaze involving multiple shipping containers.
Emergency services remain at the scene on Smallbrook Lane, where Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service crews have been working since around 10:00 this morning (Wednesday) to bring the fire under control.
Firefighters from Newport, Ryde, Shanklin and Ventnor are using hose reel jets and main jets to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
As a precaution, a 200-metre cordon has been put in place around the site. Fire service teams will contact any residents who fall within the affected area directly.
Smallbrook Lane has been closed as a result of the cordon, Island Echo understands.
Members of the public are being urged to avoid Smallbrook Lane and the surrounding area while emergency services remain in attendance. Motorists are being asked to keep roads clear to allow fire appliances access to the scene and to follow any instructions from emergency personnel.
Earlier, thick plumes of black smoke could be seen rising from the scrapyard, with residents in surrounding areas advised to keep their windows and doors closed.
Firefighters remain at the scene working to make the area safe.
A fire service spokesperson has said:
“Thank you for your patience and cooperation while we deal with this incident.”
UPDATE @ 14:40 – Firefighters are continuing to dampen down from height utilising the Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) .
UPDATE @ 15:40 – WightSAR have been deployed to assist fire crews by using their drone.
Mainland fire appliances have been called over to the Island to provide fire cover.
UPDATE THURSDAY – Efforts to cool a total of 8 shipping containers continues this morning, with 6 monitoring jets still in operation.
Read the latest at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/8-shipping-containers-still-being-cooled-as-ryde-scrapyard-fire-enters-second-day/.
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