QUICK THINKING PREVENTS VAN FIRE FROM SPREADING TO QUARR HOME

A van fire has been successfully doused before it could take hold and spread to a residential property in Quarr, Binstead tonight (Bank Holiday Monday). The incident began shortly before 21:05 when neighbours spotted smoke issuing from the Citroen Relay camper conversion on the driveway of a property on Quarr Road. A 999 call was made to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service before locals armed themselves with hose pipes in a bid to extinguish the flames and prevent the situation escalating. By the time 1 fire appliance from Newport arrived on scene at 21:27 – more than 20 minutes after the emergency call – the fire had been successfully suppressed. A hose reel jet has been used externally to fully extinguish the fire, with 2 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus also making entry into the van to dampen down the vehicle. No injuries have been reported and damage has been contained to the vehicle itself. UPDATE @ 21:51 – A second appliance has now arrived on scene, but the incident has been brought under control.