Firefighters are working to stop a tree fire from spreading to surrounding woodland near Ryde this lunchtime (Tuesday).
It was at around 11:00 that Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to a tree alight in a remote and wooded area off Quarr Road, Binstead.
The first crew on scene quickly ascertained the scale of the incident and the threat being posed to surrounding trees and shrubbery, on land between Fishbourne and Ryde.
To douse the charred wood, a second appliance from Newport is now in attendance alongside a water carrier from Sandown.
Large amounts of water is currently being pulled from a hydrant and delivered a significant distance from Quarr Road to the scene of the fire, close to the beach.
Fire crews are treating the incident as protracted, meaning they are likely to remain on scene for some time.
Today’s fire comes following a very dry and hot period of weather, with another heatwave looming for next week.
Local forecasters anticipate temperatures may rise to 37c again by next Wednesday.
If you see a fire in the countryside, contact the fire service immediately on 999. Do not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with a bucket of water.
Remember, do not discard cigarettes or other smoking materials in the countryside. It is also important to clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire.
Always take extra care if using a barbecue and only light fires or BBQs in designated areas. Never leave a campfire or BBQ unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them.
