The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have issued a clear message about appropriate use of the 999 system following a potential hoax call to Ryde Esplanade this evening (Thursday).
3 appliances from Ryde were mobilised at just before 19:15 following reports of a shop blaze near the train station, however, when crews arrived there was no sign of fire or the caller.
The number used to alert emergency services registered to a nearby public telephone box.
Due to the seriousness of the call all 3 appliances from Ryde Fire Station turned out to the potential incident, as well as a 4th appliance from another station to provide emergency cover in Ryde.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has this evening issued a firm message to Island residents:
“We are happy if it’s a genuine call – thank you, that’s what we are here for. However if this is someone’s idea of just turning out the fire and rescue service, there is another emergency that these well trained crews could be at.
“It’s people’s time and resources that have been used incorrectly.
“We are a highly trained service here to serve the public and potential false alarms and incorrect use of our time is not good”.
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