Crews tackle large fire in the open on the Isle of Wight

A large fire in the open was tackled by firefighters on the Isle of Wight today (16 May)

Crews from Ryde, Sandown, Ventnor, Shanklin and Southsea were alerted to the incident in Culver Parade, Sandown around 1.30pm

Supported by a Water Carrier and 4×4 vehicle, firefighters worked hard to contain and extinguish the fire and protect neighbouring heathland. Around 100m x100m of grasslands and reeds was destroyed by the fire.

Cause of the fire is unknown but you can help to prevent fires in the countryside and protect our open spaces and wildlife:

• Don’t start campfires in the countryside
• Never take barbecues or lit charcoal of any kind to enclosed spaces for example tents
• Never leave barbecues unattended and dispose of them appropriately
• Don’t leave glass bottles in direct sunlight as this could start a fire
• Don’t start a fire or barbecue in areas that strictly state this is prohibited such as the New Forest National Park
• Make sure cigarettes are out and correctly dispose of them
• Take home your litter or make sure you put it in a bin
• Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby in case of emergency
• Leave plenty of room around your barbecue
• Set up barbecues on level ground which is away from dry grass, bushes, fences, tents and other structure

 

If you see a fire

• If you do see a fire in the countryside, get to safety and contact us immediately – dial 999
• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water
• Give a map reference if possible, otherwise give a landmark such as a farm or pub to help locate the fire
• Download the What3Words app on your phone to help us pinpoint incidents
• Estimate the size of the area that’s burning
  
• Describe the type of terrain (grass, bracken, forest, open moorland etc)
• Evacuate the area as soon as possible