UPDATED: Firefighters are working to extinguish a fire which has taken hold of a number of sheds and a large tree in the heart of Shanklin this morning (Thursday).
Fire crews from Shanklin, Ventnor and Ryde are on scene having been alerted to the blaze at a residential address on Wilton Park Road at just gone midday. The Incident Command Unit from Newport is also on scene.
Crews are using breathing apparatus and hose reels to bring the fire, which is close to the Island Line network, under control.
Wilton Park Road is currently closed as fire crews deal with the incident in hand. Southern Vectis buses are diverting locally.
UPDATE @ 13:11 – The fire has been successfully extinguished, however, crews remain on scene damping down the affected area.
Road closures and cordons are still in force.
UPDATE @ 13:20 – It has been confirmed that the fire has engulfed 2 sheds, fence panels, undergrowth and a large tree.
As a precautionary measure, in the interests of firefighter and public safety, Island Line services were suspended and the railway isolated. However, services have now resumed between Ryde and Shanklin.
The cause of this afternoon’s fire remains unclear but primary investigations are underway.
The incident has involved a total of 3 appliances, a water carrier, the Incident Command Unit and 2 fire officers.
Tim Spencer-Peet, Senior Officer for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has taken this incident as an opportunity to issue a reminder to Island residents:
“During this period of prolonged dry, hot weather can people be very mindful of BBQs, bonfires or any other ignition source, including smoking materials, to ensure they are properly extinguished.
“As we have seen from incidents in the north of the country, fire can spread extremely quickly in the undergrowth which is tinder dry”.
