'Avoid the area': Firefighters continue to battle large Stokes Bay blaze as police told about suspected arson

Firefighters are battling a large field blaze in the Stokes Bay area following an earlier incident - with police told about suspected arson.

Emergency personnel rushed to the scene initially at around 1.20pm this afternoon (August 25). Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) said crews from Fareham and Gosport battled the Gorse blaze in a field adjacent to Lifeboat Lane.

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“Firefighters used two high pressure hose reels and beaters to extinguish the fire,” a HIWFRS spokesperson added.

Crews were then called to a second blaze shortly afterwards near Fort Gilkicker. The Palmerston fort, built at the eastern end of Stokes Bay, is currently being redeveloped into housing. Fire service vehicles were seen heading into the Institute of Naval Medicine in Crescent Road.

The public have been warned to stay clear of Fort Road. A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) spokesperson said: “The fire off Fort Road remains a live incident.

“The fire is affecting a large area of gorse and grassland. We currently have 10 fire engines plus four water carriers, two 4x4s and command vehicles on scene. Please avoid the area and keep neighbouring roads clear to allow emergency vehicles access. If you live or work in the local area and smell smoke please close windows and doors.”

In an earlier statement, the HIWFRS spokesperson said: “Firefighters have also been called to a second large fire in the open located east of the initial incident. Additional resources are on their way. Police have been informed about these incidents.”

Eyewitness Lisa Verroken was near the scene and described what she saw. She told The News: “It spread so quickly and fire service were on the scene really quickly. We saw the smoke while we were on the beach.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: “We are aware of two fires in the areas of Crescent Road and Lifeboat Lane, Gosport, this afternoon and will be liaising with our colleagues at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.”

Police have shut Fort Road at the junctions with Anglesey Road, Monckton Road, and Gilkicker Road. The force said the fire service has the situation under control, but a large amount of smoke is covering the vicinity as some areas are still alight.

“To allow HIWFRS the space to do their work, we have had to put some road closures in place that will remain for sometime,” Gosport Police said.

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