Firefighters Tackle Marsh Fire In Sandown

Firefighters have tackled a small fire in marshland behind Dinosaur Isle in Sandown this afternoon (Friday).

Crews from Shanklin were called to the scene at around 1.20pm after reports of a fire among the reeds on the marshland behind Dinosaur Isle and Browns.

Due to the difficult terrain and the risk of the fire spreading, a second appliance from Ryde was sent to assist.

Firefighters cut a path through the tall reeds to reach the blaze, which affected an area measuring around three metres by three metres.

After just over an hour at the scene, the fire was extinguished and both crews returned to their stations.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to take extra care in the countryside during the warmer weather.

Anyone who spots a fire in the countryside should call 999 immediately and should not attempt to tackle any fire that cannot be safely extinguished with a bucket of water.

The service is also urging people not to discard cigarettes or other smoking materials, to remove bottles and broken glass that could magnify the sun's rays, and to ensure barbecues and campfires are only used in designated areas, never left unattended, and are fully extinguished before leaving.