A wildfire has broken out on marshland in Sandown this lunchtime (Friday), with firefighters working to bring the raging flames under control.
It was around 13:20 that plumes of smoke started to billow across open land to the north of the seaside town, from an area of grassland near to Browns Golf and Dinosaur Isle.
Fire crews from Sandown and Shanklin are on scene with 2 pumping appliances and a Land Rover 4×4, but the flames are continuing to spread.
A water carrier from Ventnor has also just arrived on scene, with further resources from Ryde and Newport en-route.
UPDATE @ 14:18 – A total of 4 pumping appliances, a water carrier and a Light 4×4 are now on scene, with crews from Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor – and Southsea – continuing to tackle the blaze.
Main jets and beaters are being used to douse the flames and help slow the spread, but a large area of 80x80m of open land has already been charred.
Island Echo is told that a Council Environmental Officer, patrolling the local area, was the first to discover the fire and alert emergency services. He has expressed sadness for the wildlife affected.
Thankfully, the blaze has moved away from the historic PLUTO pump house – which is undamaged. It appears the fire started nearby, adjacent to Willow Way footpath.
UPDATE @ 15:14 – Station Manager Chris Thearle has confirmed that the fire is now under control, but crews will remain on scene for some time turning over and damping down the affected area, which has now grown to 100x100m.
The cause of the blaze is unknown.
Looks like the Isle of Shite feral brats have been busy again. Yes, The State of The Island needs to be discussed.
It could have been a piece of glass, anything don’t jump to conclusions until you know the facts? If you so call it the isle of shite and you live on the isle of shite, PO to the mainland see how you like it there??
Probably a fag end or an improperly extinguished match.