UPDATED: BARN BLAZE AT BOWCOMBE BEING TACKLED BY ISLAND’S FIRE CREWS

Firefighters from across the Isle of Wight are working together to tackle a large barn fire on the outskirts of Newport this morning (Friday). More than 6 pumping appliances are on scene at Bowcombe, between Carisbrooke and Shorwell, where a barn structure is well alight. Plumes of smoke can be seen billowing into the night sky as crews continue efforts to contain and extinguish the blaze, which broke out shortly before 00:45. 2 water carriers from Freshwater and Ventnor have been called upon to assist with the delivery of water with a dam also being established. The Incident Support Unit from East Cowes has also been drafted in with its additional equipment, and the Incident Command Unit from Newport is now coordinating the response in sub-zero conditions. The Response Support Vehicle from Newport is also on the fire ground. It is unknown at this stage if the barn – located at Bowcombe Farm Lane – poses any health risk, or if any animals are in danger. Bowcombe Road has been closed in both directions as emergency services respond to the incident. It is expected to remain closed for the rest of the night.

The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has deployed an operational commander and an ambulance to the scene to support the ongoing efforts. Support from mainland firefighters is expected with crews likely to be drafted in on the next ferry to standby at local stations, perhaps providing relief as dawn approaches. UPDATE @ 03:20 – Firefighting efforts have scaled down as crews bring the barn fire under control. Several fire appliances have left the scene on blue lights, relocating to a house well alight in Brading. UPDATE @ 05:51 – After 4 hours of firefighting, it has been confirmed that the stop message has been sent back to control – the fire is now out. Crews remain on scene damping down the area. UPDATE @ 08:32 – It has been confirmed that the barn of traditional construction, measuring 56x25m, has been 90% destroyed by the fire, with the roof collapsing. 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.