Fire engines from 4 different stations have responded to an out-of-control bonfire in Wootton this morning (Thursday) – just days after the country was told not to light any fires.
3 appliances from Ryde, Newport and Ventnor were mobilised to Lushington Hill at just before 07:45, to reports of a fire in woodland off the main Ryde to Newport road.
Smoke was seen billowing into the morning sky, with a strong smell evident across Wootton and Binstead.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was taking no chances and mobilised a water carrier from Sandown to the scene also.
It has been confirmed that firefighters arrived on scene to determine that the fire, situated behind Lushington Hill Garden Centre, began as a bonfire.
The site often carries out controlled burns, but the incident comes just 6 days after millions of people across England and Wales received an Emergency Alert warning of a very high risk of wildfires nationally.
Residents, landowners and visitors were specifically told not to undertake activities that could start a fire, while Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service urged people not to light campfires or bonfires while conditions remain dry.
Fire crews continue to damp down the bonfire, 2 hours after first being called to the scene.
Lushington Hill remains open in both directions, but traffic is moving slowly as Police assist in directing motorists past the ongoing incident.
UPDATE @ 10:46 – Lushington Hill has now been closed in both directions.
Southern Vectis says all Route 9 buses are diverting via Staplers Road until further notice.
Route 4 buses will operate between Ryde and Wootton via New Road, St Edmunds Walk and Church Road, to turn around before operating back to Ryde. Route 4 buses are unable to serve East Cowes.
They probably thought that as it had “rained” yesterday, it was safe to start a bonfire.
I have a neighbour with a similar blancmange for brains.