Firefighters are working to extinguish an out of control bonfire on the site of the former Harcourt Sands holiday park in Ryde this morning (Monday).
Appliances from Ryde and Sandown are on scene off Puckpool Hill where black smoke has been billowing into the sky, with a water carrier from Freshwater also en-route.
The smoke could be seen from miles around but the situation is now being brought under control by the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
It is unclear what is being burnt to cause such black, acrid smoke.
The area is currently being cleared for redevelopment of luxury houses. The fire is contained in the area of the former swimming pool complex.
UPDATE – It has been confirmed that the fire involves foam and aluminium panels.
Crews have brought the situation under control.
The video below, captured by Island Echo’s drone, shows the size of the bonfire and firefighters working to extinguish the flames.
Someone disposing of more sofas?
One of the local demolition companies occasionally has a habit of creating rather unpleasant fumes by burning items on site. The digger indicates that some work had been carried out on the premises. Seems that the bonfire got out of hand.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 it is illegal to burn waste at a commercial site as a method of disposal. Producers must ensure they are giving waste to someone authorised to take and dispose of it.
I trust they, the fire service, have reported this to the Environment Agency, god knows what we are breathing.
I could see the smoke from about 3 miles away. It was black at first then it got lighter and eventually stopped.