Watch: Flames erupt in Stokes Bay days before large field blaze which is believed to be arson

Shocking footage has been taken of a fire in Stokes Bay days before a large field blaze.

Video of flames and smoke were taken in a wooded area in the vicinity of Fort Road on August 16. This is the same site as today’s (August 25) large field fire, where ten fire engines and other resources have been deployed to the scene.

Gosport resident Cindy Wishart filmed the incident and said she’s not surprised that they keep happening. She told The News: “I’d gone to walk my dog and as I was walking from the RNLI building, I could smell smoke.

“I then saw it and started taking some footage. A woman told me it was the third fire that week. The fire was moving away from the nearby nesting grounds. Luckily the wind was blowing in the right direction, otherwise it would have been worse.”

Speaking about today’s fire, she added: “I’m worried as the heat outside isn’t at the point where anything could combust. I could smell the smoke from where I live and heard lots of sirens.”

Anglesey ward councillor Alan Scard, Conservative, said he has received reports from residents of illicit behaviour in the area. He said: “Kids are unfortunately getting into the old abandoned QinetiQ building. It doesn’t surprise me that more fires are starting.

“Most of the concerns raised by nearby residents are about vandalism and anti-social behaviour. They get into the building and smash the place up.”

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When asked about today’s blaze, he added: “The police stopped my wife from going down that road. There’s a lot of grass there, where a fire can spread to Stokes Bay if it takes hold. I’m sure the fire service is dealing with it the best they can.”

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) spokesperson confirmed that two fires took place on August 16. They said: “At 4.50pm on August 16, crews from Fareham and Gosport attended a fire involving gorse and bushes off Crescent Road. This was extinguished by firefighters using a hose reel.

“Earlier the same day, at around 2.30pm, a crew from Gosport were called to a small fire in the open in the same locality. This was out on arrival, and our firefighters damped down the area.”

The current inferno remains a live incident, and is impacting a large area of gorse and grassland. Fort Road remains closed at the junctions of Anglesea Road, Monckton Road, and Gilkicker Road.

“We currently have 10 fire engines plus four water carriers, two 4x4s and command vehicles on scene,” a HIWFRS spokesperson said. “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.”

The spokesperson previously said police have been informed about today’s incidents. It’s suspected they could be arson. A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson 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.”

Residents that know of previous fires in Stokes Bay, or have footage of today’s incident, can contact us by emailing [email protected].