An electronic bingo board catching fire led to a call out to Ryde for Isle of Wight fire crews this lunchtime (Tuesday). At just before midday, appliances from Ryde, Newport and Sandown were mobilised to Star Street when a fire was reported at Leo Leisure bingo hall. Island Echo understands a tablet – used for digital bingo at the club – was charging in the main lobby when it started smoking. Station Manager Chris Thearle has described the incident as a battery fire, and has praised staff at Leo Leisure for their swift actions. They used a foam extinguisher to bring the situation under control. Positive pressure ventilation was utilised by the first crew on scene, from Ryde, to rid lingering smoke from the building. All staff and members of the public were safely evacuated. An Aerial Ladder Platform from Ryde was mobilised and arrived on scene, but other appliances from stations further afield were stood down en-route. It’s the second battery fire in the past 24 hours, with an overheating battery causing a garden blaze in East Cowes yesterday afternoon.
For fire safety information relating to electrical appliances, gizmos and gadgets visit https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/keeping-safe/loveyourhome/firehazards/electrical-appliances/.
