Quick-thinking members of the public have helped prevent a small undergrowth fire from spreading and threatening nearby land and properties in Ventnor this lunchtime (Thursday).
It was at around 11:40 that a local worker first noticed the fire developing near the car park of Island Free School, off St Margaret’s Glade.
The eye witness recalls hearing crackling and popping noises before then noting the smell of burning vegetation.
He alerted Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service via a 999 call, with 2 fire appliances and a water carrier mobilised to the scene.
Another local tried to contain the fire using a hose pipe, but has said that the fire had quickly gotten out of control.
Thankfully, retained crews from Ventnor, Shanklin and Sandown have been able to respond quickly and get a handle on the situation, thanks to the early actions of locals.
The fire, described as a small bonfire, has affected an area measuring 5x4m.
Fire crews are using 2 hose reel jets to dampen down the area, with water supplied by Sandown’s water carrier.
Why would anyone think it was okay to light a bonfire, on the hottest day of the year and in the fifth heatwave putting fire persons lives at risk?
There are so many numpties out there who don’t think of
others.
It is amazing how many numpties in such extreme weather
conditions still throw cigarette butts on the ground or out
of car windows, not to mention disposable Vapes.
Yet more proof the uneducated cannot be educated.
I am somewhat bewildered at the ‘small bonfire’ description, are they saying it was actually a small bonfire, or it just looked like one? IF someone has lit a bonfire in this area and at this time of excessive fire risk, then they should be at least prosecuted or made to pay the costs involved. The only folk lighting fires today are probably Arsonists!
Well said.
I think now that this climate could be more the norm then all bonfires should be banned by law through the summer seasons. They’re a nuisance anyway, filling the air with stinky smoke when people are trying to enjoy the lovely summer evenings…but are also clearly a fire risk. Only a moron would have a bonfire in these conditions.
Might as well ban vaping and smoking too in the summer
months, all that smoke being blown in peoples faces.
Funnily enough it sounds as though it was caused by someone throwing a cigarette butt away.
Thats another one to add to the pile of reasons. I’ve heard it was a discarded bottle, a bonfire, a workman grinding, a car exhaust and an act of god… perhaps we should wait for an official reason before we blame smokers, drinkers, workers, drivers and ‘him/her upstairs’.
It wouldn’t surprise me, there are so many numpties
out there.
“A small bonfire” is describing the size of the fire & not the fact that someone had lit a bonfire.
As we are now having extreme weather conditions, our countryside is tinder dry and people should take extra care and think about the consequences if a severe wildfire happened. It is unthinkable if the downs caught alight with say a gorse fire, which spreads easily. This could be fatal to many of the goats which happily feed and roam there. Maybe, the government should ban all bonfires, barbeques, fireworks, fire pits and Chinese lanterns with immediate effect. And smokers, dispose of butts safely. Just look at the news and take note. I know this sounds bad to some people, but the ban would only be temporary until the rain comes. Also, have some thought for the firefighters, other emergency workers and volunteers who get involved in bringing these fires under control and doing what they can to preserve wildlife. Reading other comments, it is unfortunately very true that there are many selfish people, morons or simply plain thick idiots in the world we live in.
You have said it well.