The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service at tackling an undergrowth fire at Shanklin Esplanade this evening (Saturday).
Crews from Sandown and Ventnor have been mobilised to the far end of the Esplanade towards Luccombe, where flames are raging through dense undergrowth at the bottom of the cliff.
The alarm was raised shortly before 17:30 by members of the public.
UPDATE @ 17:57 – Crews are working to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading any further.
Water is being pulled from the sea due to the remote location of the blaze, which covers 30 x 30m.
Eye witnesses tell Island Echo that kids playing around with an aerosol can are thought to be behind the ignition of the fire, although initial investigations are still underway.
UPDATE @ 18:10 – 2 jets are being utilised to bring the fire under control and damp down the affected area.
Firefighters say that it is lucky the fire has not spread up the cliff.
UPDATE @ 18:52 – Both crews remain on scene as damping down continues.
It is firmly believed that kids are to blame for starting the fire.
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are expected to stand down from the incident shortly.
UPDATE @ 19:36 – The fire has now been extinguished using 2 main jets, beaters and rakes.
Anyone who see flames or large amounts of smoke coming from the same area overnight or into tomorrow should call the fire service on 999.
VIDEO:
Bloody Children causing the fire, Birds have Young in nests, Fox has cubs, all perished I hope their happy
That’s what happens when benefits are late and sky tv internet has been cut off !!!
Anyway we’ll done to the fire brigade
Good job
They started it again Within an hour of this one being extinguished!