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Warning Over Countryside Fires

In the last week crews from all of the Isle of Man’s fire stations have attended outside fires.

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3 years ago

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Islanders are being urged not to light campfires or disposable barbecues in the countryside due to the ‘heightened risk of wildfires’.

The Environment Department is asking people to act responsibly to help reduce the risk fire poses to people, wildlife and livestock.
According to the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service the recent dry spell has left ground vegetation ‘tinder dry’ meaning even small fires could spread quickly.
In the last week crews from all of the Isle of Man’s fire stations have attended outside fires.
Minister Clare Barber said: ‘We still want people to enjoy our wonderful Biosphere in this glorious weather, but please be mindful that a wildfire could cause havoc and have disastrous consequences. Our message is simple, please avoid lighting bbqs, fires, or discarding cigarettes near combustible vegetation as it could endanger lives and destroy property, habitat and crops.’
The controlled burning of vegetation by land managers is forbidden at this time of year, so anyone who sees a fire should call 999 immediately. People are also encouraged to download the What3Words app, which is free and can help pin point the exact location of a fire, and save the emergency services valuable time.

The Fire Service added: ‘ Avoid parking cars on long dry grass as catalytic converters can be hot enough to start fires. This hasn’t happened here but our colleagues in the UK have dealt with this issue recently.

‘Be careful how you dispose of cigarettes and associated materials. Consider a more traditional picnic rather than disposable BBQs but if you must use one, take an extra large bottle of water along to be sure it is fully extinguished after use, and always take all you rubbish home to dispose of it correctly.’

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