Warning issued on dangers of Manx wildfires
Isle of Man Fire & Rescue ServiceThe Isle of Man fire service has urged people to be aware of risks that can lead to wildfires in the countryside as the weather starts to improve.
The service has outlined "proactive measures" residents can take to prevent fires and maintain safety amid rising temperatures and dryer conditions.
The advice includes avoiding the use of disposable barbecues, never setting off sky lanterns and the safe disposal of cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
Lead firefighter Richard Little said: "Wildfires can be dangerous, not only to the public, but devastating to the local wildlife and environment."
The fire service said many incidents are created by not putting out disposable barbecues properly, littering, unattended campfires, bonfires, camp stoves, and weather conditions such as prolonged high temperatures and high winds.
Wildfires can be avoided by taking a picnic instead of a disposable barbecue, or using designated barbeque areas, and ensuring campfires are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of the contents, it said.
The service also advised that "a discarded glass bottle or a piece of broken glass on a hot, sunny day could act like a magnifying glass, intensifying the sun's rays and starting a fire".
Upland ranger Anna Clarke-Smith said wildfires can destroy habitats and directly affect many sensitive species "particularly during the key breeding period from March to August".
She said the loss of vegetation, food sources, and nesting sites "forces many animals to become displaced, without shelter and food".
Wildfires in uplands areas can also release carbon stored in peat back into the atmosphere, further contributing to climate change and degrading sensitive ecosystems, she added.
Mr Little said: "If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately by calling 999, do not put yourself in any danger by attempting to tackle fast-spreading fires."
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