FIREFIGHTERS from Newport and Ventnor are tackling a tractor fire which broke out at St Catherine's Point this afternoon.

The fire broke out at 2.38pm.

UPDATE 3.45pm:

A crew from Shanklin has been called to assist.

A spokesperson from the fire service confirmed that a tractor is well alight alongside an area of field approximately 100 metres x 75 metres.

An onlooker said: "Explosions were heard about 2.30pm and a thick plume of black smoke was seen over the tree-tops.

"It turned out a vehicle had caught fire and exploded in the field adjacent to St. Catherine's Lighthouse. Much of the field also alight as a result."

No injuries have been reported. 

See the footage from James Whitehouse below:

Isle of Wight County Press:

A resident said: "A vehicle exploded and the driver managed to jump clear. There is extensive damage to field but fire crews have it under control."

"They were haymaking. The grass was cut a couple of days ago, all in lines ready for baling.

"It’s National Trust land between the lighthouse and the Castle Haven caravans."

Isle of Wight County Press:

UPDATE 5.30pm: The fire was put out at just after 5pm.

UPDATE August 7, 9am: Firefighters returned to the scene this morning (Tuesday) for a 1 metre x 1 metre patch of ground that was slightly alight.

This has now been put out.