UPDATED: The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are tackling a fire in the open at St George’s Down in Newport tonight (Sunday).
Appliances from Newport, Cowes and East Cowes are on scene at St George’s Lane alongside 2 water carriers from Ventnor and Freshwater.
The fire is thought to have broke out in an area of grass and gorseland at around 21:25, with fire crews mobilised a short while later.
UPDATE @ 22:36 – Dean Haward, Group Manager for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that the fire has now been surrounded using beaters and main jets.
He has said that the lack of wind tonight has prevented the fire spreading and has helped in allowing crews to bring everything under control in a swift manner.
A total of 4 appliances are on scene alongside 2 water carriers.
Police have been alerted due to the suspicious nature of the incident.
UPDATE @ 23:12 – A number of crews have now stood down from the incident. A crew from Ryde have been standing by at Newport Fire Station.
Meanwhile Police have arrived on scene to conduct initial enquiries.
Island residents are being reminded about the risk of fire during this incredibly dry spell, with discarded cigerettes, BBQs, bonfires and Chinese laterns all posing a potential threat.
Malicious fires put lives and property at risk and can be a huge drain on resources, which could lead to issues further afield than the fire itself.
