The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are tackling a vehicle blaze involving a gas cylinder on Brading Downs this lunchtime (Friday).
1 appliance from Ryde is in attendance at the view point car park, where a small hatchback car has burst into flames.
Smoke could be seen from miles around when the fire broke out at around 13:15.
Island Echo is told gas cylinders are potentially involved, leading to the area being cleared and the car park closed.
2 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are currently using hose reels to tackle the fire, which is proving difficult to fully extinguish.
The male driver of the car has escaped but is being given basic first aid.
Brading Down Road remains open in both directions as the incident is off the main carriageway.
UPDATE @ 13:50 – A water carrier from Ventnor is now on scene to provide further water supplies due to the remote location of the incident.
Station Manager Fountaine, acting as Tactical Advisor, says that crews are avoiding using foam to protect the environment and now that more water is available, the crews can heavily dowse the tyres which continue to burn.
Motorists are being urged not to slow down to spectate the incident on the busy main road.
UPDATE @ 14:20 – The fire has now been extinguished.
Hampshire Constabulary have been made aware of the incident, but no offences have been committed.
A spokesperson said:
“We can confirm that officers were called out to an incident at 1.17pm this afternoon (4 December) after Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service requested police assistance following a car being set on fire.
“No arrests have been made”.
only love remains
Strange thing to say
I was up there in my car when this happened i called the fire brigade And sat the driver in my car to warm up and keep away from the fire then the fire engine came and they took over id love to know if the poor fella is ok as he was very shook up