Police have been contacted by the fire service in the aftermath of the incident.

Firefighters spent hours tackling a pair of raging fires in Stokes Bay yesterday - and suspect it may have been started deliberately.

On Tuesday, August 25, crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were called to a field that was ablaze off Lifeboat Lane, near the old QuinetiQ building. A second fire then broke out shortly afterwards, near Fort Gilkicker.

Here’s everything we know so far about the incidents.

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Fire Service crews from Fareham and Gosport were called to a fire involving Gorse in a field adjacent to Lifeboat Lane in Gosport, at around 1.20pm on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Firefighters were then also called to a second large fire in the open located east of the initial incident (towards Fort Gilkicker). | Sarah Standing

placeholder image — Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Fire Service crews from Fareham and Gosport were called to a fire involving Gorse in a field adjacent to Lifeboat Lane in Gosport, at around 1.20pm on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Firefighters were then also called to a second large fire in the open located east of the initial incident (towards Fort Gilkicker). | Sarah Standing

What happened?

According to reports, the first fire in Stokes Bay broke out at around 1.20pm yesterday afternoon. Crews from Gosport and Fareham responded to the incident.

Crews were then called to a second fire near Fort Gilkicker. The fort, built at the eastern end of Stokes Bay, is currently being redeveloped into housing - a project that has been stop-start for the past decade. Fire service vehicles were seen heading into the Institute of Naval Medicine in Crescent Road.

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.”

What has the fire service said?

Summarising the Crescent Road incident, a spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: “Heavy smoke was emanating from the fire, so nearby roads were closed and residents advised to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed.

“The fire involving gorse, trees and grassland was tackled using hose reels, jets and beaters. Once the fire was surrounded, relief crews who arrived to take over from the firefighters first on the scene, worked to dampen down the affected area.

“Firefighters left the scene at around eight o’clock, with one crew set to return later this evening to inspect the area and check for any remaining hotspots.

“This summer our prevention teams have been patrolling certain arson hotspots, including this one in Gosport, and police have been notified as it is believed this fire was set deliberately.”