The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents of the dangers of using flares, Chinese lanterns or fireworks in dry weather after a barn narrowly avoided going up in flames in Carisbrooke last week.
At just before 21:00 on Thursday the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service mobilised 2 appliances to Whitecombe Road near to Carisbrooke Castle after the owner of a barn spotted a flare landing on the roof.
The quick actions of the owner meant the fire service was able to extinguish the flames before the fire was able to take hold.
This incident follows a serious barn fire in the same area 2 weeks previously; however the cause of that fire has yet to be determined.
Mick Keenan, local senior officer at the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“In periods of dry weather, it only takes a spark or a smallest piece of smouldering material to start a fire, which can spread quickly with devastating effects.
“We would urge members of the public to avoid using Chinese lanterns, flares (over land) and fireworks during the summer months when the land is dry and materials can quickly catch light.
“If members of the public are concerned about a flare, Chinese lantern or fireworks close to buildings, trees or dry crops in fields we would urge them to contact the fire and rescue service on 01983 525121 as soon as possible so that it can be investigated. In an emergency always dial 999.”
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More information about fire safety can be found atwww.iwight.com/fire.
