Renewed warning after grass fire during warm spell

People have been urged to act responsibly in the countryside during the prolonged dry spell after grass fire that took 15 firefighters to get under control.

During the two-hour incident in Greeba on Wednesday crews used high pressure hose reels and jets to stop the fire from spreading and dampen hot spots.

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Rushen had also had to deal with a railway embankment fire on the same day.

A spokesman for the fire service said wildfires could spread "very fast" so residents who saw dry grass smouldering should "call 999 and report it immediately".

Following the incidents, the service and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture renewed the call for people to follow previously issued advice.

That encouraged residents to "continue to enjoy the island's wider countryside, but act responsibly".

The advice included avoiding the use of disposable barbecues, camp stoves and campfires, which could "spread out of control easily".

It also urged people to make sure cigarettes, e-cigarettes and litter were disposed of properly.

Station Officer Matt Tyrer said another "key risk" associated with the current conditions was the remote nature of some locations in the hills, forests and glens potentially delaying a fire response.

He said that could "increase the danger to the environment, wildlife, and nearby communities".

"Careless behaviour, even unintentional, such as discarded cigarettes or vehicle exhausts near dry vegetation can trigger major incidents," he added.

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