Fire Crews Respond To Major Hay Blaze And Smoke-Filled Pharmacy In Busy Afternoon Across Isle Of Wight

Firefighters were called to two separate incidents across the Isle of Wight yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, one of which being a significant hay fire in the West Wight and the other a smoke-filled pharmacy in Sandown caused by a malfunctioning security device.

The larger of the two incidents unfolded shortly after 4pm in Ningwood, where crews from Newport, Freshwater and Ventnor were dispatched to a blaze involving a substantial quantity of hay off Cranmore Avenue.

Two pumping appliances and a water carrier were sent to the scene, on the site of West Wight Skips, as thick plumes of smoke became visible from miles around.

Firefighters deployed two main jets and two hose reel jets to bring the fire under control, drawing water from both a nearby hydrant and the attending water carrier.

An area measuring approximately 18 metres by 10 metres was affected by the blaze.

Around half an hour later, crews from Shanklin were called to Boots on Sandown High Street following reports of smoke issuing from the building.

On arrival, firefighters quickly established there was no fire inside the pharmacy.

Instead, the smoke had been caused by a security fogging system designed to disorientate intruders during attempted break-ins.

It is understood the device was activated accidentally, with no evidence of forced entry or criminal activity found at the scene.

Firefighters used positive pressure ventilation equipment to clear the lingering smoke from the premises.