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Isle of Man fire: Niarbyl blaze caused by discarded cigarette

IOM Constabulary Fire on hillside at NiarbylIOM Constabulary
The fire was in an area that was difficult to access

A large blaze on the Isle of Man was started by a discarded cigarette.

Police said the fire at Niarbyl on the west of the island on Monday had been caused by "someone's reckless actions" and had tied up resources for several hours.

The blaze destroyed a hut and "ruined" part of the "beautiful coastline", a spokesman added.

Peel lifeboat and the coastguard assisted the fire service in accessing the area.

IOM Constabulary Fire fighter at the top of the hill tackling the fire belowIOM Constabulary
Some firefighters tackled the blaze from above

A spokesman for Isle of Man Police said: "Although this appears to have been a genuine accident this has taken up a lot of resources which may have been needed elsewhere.

"Thankfully nobody was hurt."

Anyone accessing the countryside during the current spell of hot, dry weather has been urged to be mindful of their surroundings and discard of barbeques and cigarettes carefully.

IOM Constabulary Peel Lifeboat on the water at NiarbylIOM Constabulary
Peel Lifeboat assisted in getting crews to the area
IOM Constabulary Emergency services on the hillside at NiarbylIOM Constabulary
Crews spent several hours tackling the blaze
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