The Isle of Man Fire Service has warned that the ground across the island is tinder dry, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires due to an extended period of hot, dry weather. Officials are urging residents and visitors to exercise caution and follow safety measures to prevent further incidents. This alert comes after several recent fires, including a significant blaze near Ramsey in the early hours of Sunday that required firefighters about 90 minutes to control.
Over the past week, fire crews have responded to multiple grass fires, including those at Mull Hill in Cregneash and Port Soderick, also on the Isle of Man, with some fires taking multiple hours to extinguish. Anyone witnessing a fire is urged to call 999 emergency services “immediately” and use the What3Words app to provide precise location details.
The Isle of Man Fire Service said: “With hot, dry weather forecast, the risk of wildfires is high across the Island. We’re asking everyone to do their bit to prevent fires and protect our beautiful countryside.
“Let’s all do our part to keep our communities and Island safe.”
The fire service is urging people to avoid lighting campfires or bonfires, never discard cigarettes on the ground, keep BBQs off the grass, and never leave them unattended.
Isle of Man Fire Service is also asking everyone to take all rubbish with them, as glass and litter can start fires.
It added: “Call 999 immediately if you see a fire in the open. Use What3Words to report the location.”
Last week, on Thursday, August 13 just before 5:15pm, fire crews were called to a grass fire in Port Soderick, which took about an hour to extinguish.
Later that evening, at 8:34pm, firefighters from Rushen attended another grass fire on Mull Hill in Cregneash, spending two hours managing the blaze.
The wildfire warning coincides with a large number of visitors attending the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT, many of whom plan to camp while staying on the island.
