An arson investigation has been launched following a large barn fire in the rural village of Bowcombe in the early hours of this morning (Friday). As first reported by Island Echo, pumping appliances from a host of Island stations were called to Bowcombe Farm Lane shortly after midnight where a barn was well ablaze. The large structure – which measured 56x25m – quickly became engulfed in flames, with plumes of smoke filling the cold morning air. The barn was 90% destroyed by the fire, with the roof collapsing. After tackling the blaze for some 4 hours, the stop message was finally received at around 05:45. A total of 10 breathing apparatus, 3 main jets, 3 hose reel jets, and 1 hydrant were used to tackle the blaze with firefighters present from Newport, Cowes, Ryde, Shanklin, Freshwater, Botley, Cowes, East Cowes, Ventnor, Sandown, Droxford, Hayling Island, Emsworth, Havant, Southsea, Cosham and St Mary’s. Resources from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary were also called to the scene in the interests of scene safety. Crews remain at the scene this afternoon. A spokesperson from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has said:
“We were called at 01:26 by the fire service to a fire in Bowcombe Road, Newport. “This is being investigated as a possible arson.”
