Firefighters from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have tonight (Wednesday) tackled a fire at Freshwater’s Skate park following what is being described as an arson attack.
Retained firefighters have declared the actions of those involved as ‘foolish and reckless behaviour’ after Freshwater’s fire crew were mobilised to bins and grass alight at the skate park at Moa Place, near School Green Road.
Fire Control mobilised a fire appliance and water carrier from Freshwater Fire Station to the incident, with intense flames and the smell of a burning accelerant greeting the first firefighters on scene.
Crews believe petrol had been used to fuel the fire within the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
Hose reel jets were used to extinguish the fire and dampen down the area.
Besides the grass and bins, damage has also been caused to the MUGA fencing, commonly a steel mesh anti-vandal fence surrounding the park, where the paint had started to bubble and melt from the heat.
It is also said that there was also evidence that an attempt had been made to ignite a separate bin stack around 5 metres from the seat of the fire.
A spokesperson for Friends of Freshwater Fire Station said on Facebook:
“Foolish and reckless behaviour!
“The intensity of the flames and smell from the burning suggested an accelerant such as petrol had been used to start the fire.
“This really is foolish and highly dangerous behaviour that spoils the areas created for our young people to enjoy.
“If anyone has information about this incident please contact our local neighbourhood police team.”
Police have been made aware of the incident and anyone with information are urged to contact Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers.
Island Echo has approached Hampshire Constabulary for a statement.
I bet this was done by a resident who is trying to get the skate park closed. Kids don’t have the forethought to buy petrol.
I agree. Such malicious intent. So sad.
Sorry Tom, but you must live a very sheltered life. I would hazard a guess that the petrol came form the fuel tank of one of the regularly stolen mopeds that the little treasures then rag up and down Avenue Road and around Colwell…
M8 the kid is an idiot
Is this not proof enough, that there needs to be stiffer penalties to deter these thick headed people that if caught you will be punished hard.
Not only have they ruined it for many they are a risk to us all .
Bin fire today, block of flats say tomorrow’s
If there was a Police presence in the village, which there is’nt, it would deter such acts of vandalism. We are left completely out in the cold – lawless acts including drug running going on unchecked.
If you are very observant, you might catch a glimpse of a Police vehicle driving through during the daytime, never on foot or in the evenings when louts rule freely here.
When caught get fire service to burn their iPhone, trainers, Xbox etc so they get message.
Or their slippers, sanatogen and honda jazz
hes probably older than you Fred 2
Morons about yet again!
Can we refrain from repairing this at council tax payers expense please.
Explain your reason why?
If you need it explaining to you ‘steve’ perhaps you dont pay the ever increasing council tax yourself, just a thought.
Would you prefer the kids be out on the street drinking and smashing windows then? I think the council should pay for this, plus build more around the island. Give kids something to do. I wish we had more like this when I was younger
Not all kids would be out vandalising. Some prefer quieter pursuits. Don’t know why my previous comment pointing that out has been removed.
Let fund raising and charity pay for such places.
Why should our council tax ever fund ‘entertainment’ for selected interests of people.
Fine to have a skate park, but let those interested raise the cash, and, as most is for children, let their parents fund it via the government handouts that having children now fund and very well.
The amount of times freshwater skate park had been smashed and the vandalism that goes on it’s most likely an child