An 80-metre hedgerow has been destroyed in a fire in Chale this afternoon (Friday), with a passing steam engine understood to have sparked the blaze.
Shortly after 14:00 this afternoon, firefighters from Newport, Shanklin and Ventnor were alerted to a fire involving a hedgerow on Appleford Road in Chale.
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Control Room received multiple calls reporting the blaze, which was extinguished using hose reel jets, before firefighters dampened down the scene.
The hedgerow, approximately 80m long, was destroyed in the fire.
Island Echo understands that the fire was started by a passing steam engine. A local firm quickly chucked soil onto the blaze ahead of the arrival of firefighters.
Crews have since stood down from the incident.
And they expect the general public to be responsible, not a good example is it?
What do you mean? It was a member of the public that caused this?
No doubt the culprit sped off into the distance, he could be fractions of a mile away by now.