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?
I meant the average member of the public does not have a steam engine on their premises, steam engines are not an every day mode of transport, Steam engines are associated with organisations or people with a special interest in such machines, you would expect people with such machines like steam railway to act to a certain standard and obligation, that is simply what I meant.
It wasn’t a railway. It’s privately owned. It was a member of the public.
No doubt the culprit sped off into the distance, he could be fractions of a mile away by now.
Wouldn’t surprise me, speeding is rife on the Military Road.
Time for the law to police the Military Road.
Do shut up, you tiresome bore
Don’t tell me you are one of the speeding numpties!
I imagine you are a Reform Voter
too, one can tell.
You couldn’t be more wrong. Although, having said that, you probably will be
I would never vote Reform that is for numpties.
Re speeding motorists or vehicles without MOTs
I could provide registrations but nothing would get
done about it.
The island is lawless.
Have a great day.
and yet they will be at Chale show all weekendThis is worrying if it was heading to Chale show!
At least he won’t be speeding like the lawless numpties in
vehicles or on motorbikes on the LAWLESS Military Road.
I manage to travel that road all the time without issue. You must be incredibly unlucky to keep seeing these vehicles traveling at light speed.
it has been a regular commute over time for me also, so totally agree.
Me too. Very rarely see someone pushing it. EIE feels empowered now that he can hide behind different monikers
Another denier of the truth, why is the island full of
lawless numpties.
I would have speed humps placed all along the Military Road
(Both sides)
No Numpty would be able to go over 40mph
Would you now? Bless
You must be travelling after midnight
or open your eyes next time you are driving
It is rife.
Surely the moment the Hose Pipe ban was announced, it should be illegal to put those things on the road.
it is 2026. A Steam Traction Engine is a Toy and the owner must repay all costs.
This was 100% avoidable and 100% stupidity.
If it has a fire not contained by a cylinder head – it should be banned.
The only good think is the dipstick was probably headed to a piece of heathland with a disposal BBQ and likely had to head back home