This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Services is reminding residents of the dangers of using flares, Chinese lanterns or fireworks in dry weather after a barn narrowly avoided going up in flames in the Carisbrooke area last week (18 August).
The quick actions of the barn’s owner, who spotted a flare landing on the roof of the barn, meant the fire service was able to extinguish the flames before the fire was able to take hold.
This incident follows a serious barn fire in the same area two weeks previously; however the cause of that fire has yet to be determined.
Mick Keenan, local senior officer at the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“In periods of dry weather, it only takes a spark or a smallest piece of smouldering material to start a fire, which can spread quickly with devastating effects.
“We would urge members of the public to avoid using Chinese lanterns, flares (over land) and fireworks during the summer months when the land is dry and materials can quickly catch light.
“If members of the public are concerned about a flare, Chinese lantern or fireworks close to buildings, trees or dry crops in fields we would urge them to contact the fire and rescue service on (01983) 525121 as soon as possible so that it can be investigated. In an emergency always dial 999.”
Image: jirka_matousek under CC BY 2.0
