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Crews ‘monitoring area closely’ after large blaze at vinery site

Smoke rising from the area of Fontaine Vinery in St Sampson’s sparked the attention of islanders across the north and centre of the island shortly after 5pm today.

Large amounts of smoke were covering surrounding roads and properties, and the plumes could be seen as far as Port Soif to the west and from Herm and Sark.
Large amounts of smoke were covering surrounding roads and properties, and the plumes could be seen as far as Port Soif to the west and from Herm and Sark. / Sophie Rabey/Guernsey Press

Firefighters rushed to the disused vinery area and found an area of scrub land behind the storage yard, about 60m by 60m, well alight.

Large amounts of smoke were covering surrounding roads and properties, and the plumes could be seen as far as Port Soif to the west and from Herm and Sark.

The Fire Service received multiple calls and were on site shortly after 5.30pm. Residents reported hearing popping and banging noises coming from the fire. Some business owners went down to check on their premises.

Three fire engines were mobilised, where crews used four mainline jets to bring the fire under control.

‘Due to current wind conditions, there remains a risk of the fire reigniting in places and crews will continue to monitor the area closely,’ said a spokesman.
‘Due to current wind conditions, there remains a risk of the fire reigniting in places and crews will continue to monitor the area closely,’ said a spokesman. / Sophie Rabey/Guernsey Press

The fire was out by around 7pm but there were a number of hotspots in the area and firefighters were prepared to remain at the scene for rest of the evening, dampening down these areas. Guernsey Ports used its drone to check for potential spreading.

‘Due to current wind conditions, there remains a risk of the fire reigniting in places and crews will continue to monitor the area closely,’ said a spokesman.

‘The fire affected a significant area and an assessment of the scene is ongoing.

‘It is too early to determine the cause of the fire and investigations will continue once conditions allow.’

Vale Road was closed for a while from the Halfway to the Fontaine Inn.

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