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.
