Police were called a vehicle on fire in Sandown during the early hours of this morning (Sunday).
Police were alerted to the blaze on Leed Street at 12.42am.
Officers arrived on scene and found a truck that was loaded with rubbish well alight.
The fire service were not far behind and quickly brought the fire under control before it could spread.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said:
"The vehicle has been recovered as it has been destroyed and was a danger to the public and other road users.
"We are treating this incident as arson and enquires are on-going."
An officer from the Isle of Wight Police Service said:
"The smell hit hard on the throat and I took refuge behind the fire engine."