Swift action by staff on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway prevented a lineside fire from spreading this morning (Saturday).
A timetabled passenger train travelling from Smallbrook Junction to Havenstreet had to stop on the tracks just after the Ashey Tunnel when the crew upfront spotted a fire developing.
Well rehearsed in dealing with such incidents, the crew got to work with beaters and buckets of water to contain and extinguish the small fire.
The steam train chugged on its way to Ashey Station and onwards to Havenstreet after the railway staff satisfied themselves that the fire was completely out.
If you are out in the countryside this weekend, then make sure you follow the countryside fire safety code. Read more about preventing fires at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/keep-our-countryside-free-from-wildfire-as-hot-weather-continues.
