Swift action by environment officer and fire service averts major wild

A potentially devastating wildfire in Sandown was swiftly brought under control last week, thanks to the quick thinking of a local environment officer and the rapid response of Island firefighters.

While on a routine inspection last Friday, Davide Fossa spotted smoke rising from the undergrowth near to Browns Golf and Dinosaur Isle.

Recognising the danger, he immediately called 999 and began directing people away from the area to ensure their safety.

“I knew every second counted,” said Davide. “I made the call, then focused on keeping people at a safe distance until the fire crews arrived. It could have spread so quickly.”

Within minutes, firefighters arrived and launched what Davide described as a “military-style operation.”

“They knew exactly what to do,” he said. “It was like watching a well-drilled unit in action. They moved with precision, coordinated their efforts seamlessly, and brought the fire under control before it had a chance to spread. It was incredibly impressive.”

Thanks to their swift and strategic response, the blaze was contained and extinguished before it could threaten nearby homes, businesses, or the wider nature reserve.

Davide is one of four dedicated environment officers working for the Isle of Wight Council. This small but highly skilled team play a vital role in safeguarding the Island’s natural environment and making the Island a cleaner, greener place to live and visit.

The environment officers undertake a number of duties, including inspection of playgrounds, parks and open spaces, and enforcing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).

The team also enforces a range of environmental regulations, including those related to waste management, fly-tipping and littering, helping to maintain standards and prevent harm to the environment.

In addition to their enforcement duties, they work closely with the community to promote sustainable practices, offering guidance and education to encourage greater environmental awareness and responsibility among residents and visitors alike.

Their work often takes them into remote or ecologically sensitive areas, where early detection of issues like wildfires can make a critical difference.

Some town, parish, and community councils — including Sandown — invest in an enhanced environment officer service, supplementing the core provision offered by the Isle of Wight Council.

This enhanced service can include additional patrols, one of which led to the early discovery of the fire.

Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment and planning, said: “Davide's vigilance and calm response under pressure made all the difference. And we are deeply grateful to the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for their swift and professional response.

"Their teamwork ensured this incident didn’t escalate into something far more serious.”

Sandown Mayor, Councillor Alex Lightfoot, said: "We are grateful for the actions taken by Sandown's environment officer, and the swift response from our fire service.

"This just demonstrates the value of our partnership working between Sandown Town Council and the Isle of Wight Council."

A spokesperson from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) added: "Our crews worked extremely hard in the hot weather to contain and extinguish the fire and protect neighbouring heathland.

“This fire destroyed a large area of grassland, and is just one example of the devastation these outdoor fires can have, damaging our green spaces.

“Although we don’t know what caused this blaze, we ask that when you’re out enjoying the countryside that you do so responsibly and help prevent wildfires by following our safety guidance.”

Authorities are reminding residents and visitors to remain vigilant during dry weather and to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.

Staying Safe During Dry Weather: Fire Prevention Tips

With warmer, drier summers becoming more common, the risk of wildfires increases. Here are some simple but important steps everyone can take to help prevent fires:

• Never leave barbecues and campfires unattended, and ensure they are fully extinguished after use.
• Avoid using disposable barbecues in parks, nature reserves, or near dry grass.
• Download the What3Words app on your phone to help the fire service pinpoint incidents.
• Do not discard cigarettes or matches on the ground — use proper bins or take them with you.
• Keep glass bottles out of direct sunlight, as they can magnify heat and ignite dry grass.
• Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 999.
• By staying alert and acting responsibly, we can all help protect our beautiful landscapes and communities.