Smoke From New Forest Heath Fire Drifting Across The Isle Of Wight
People across the Isle of Wight are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed as smoke from a large fire in the New Forest reaches the Island.
A strong smell of burning was first noticed around Ventnor and Shanklin late yesterday evening (Sunday), before changing winds carried the smoke further north.
Residents in Ryde, Newport and Cowes, as well as other parts of the Island, have reported the smell this morning (Monday).
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service says it's received a large number of calls about the smoke, which is coming from a major heathland fire alongside the A31.
Fire crews from across Hampshire are dealing with the blaze, with support from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The response currently includes 26 fire engines, four water carriers, six off-road vehicles and several command vehicles.
The fire service is reminding Islanders to check that any smell of smoke isn't coming from a separate fire nearby. If it is, people should call 999.
The fire started at around 5:24pm yesterday, when a vehicle caught fire on the eastbound A31. Flames then spread into the central reservation and surrounding heathland.
Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene for some time.
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