Firefighters have been praised for their quick work to stop a major blaze spreading on Thursday.
The fire broke out at Castletown and Malew Fire and Ambulance Station opposite Ronaldsway Airport during the afternoon rush hour. It started in the main appliance bay and ambulance staff on the site were evacuated safely.
Two firefighters required treatment for minor injuries in the incident and the cause of the fire is being investigated.
While emergency cover for the public is still in place through alternative operational arrangements, the station itself is unlikely to return to normal use for some time as detailed investigations and assessments continue.
The fire broke out shortly after 5pm on Thursday when the fire alarm activated within the building. A member of staff who was on the premises discovered a fire in the main appliance bay, and Ambulance Service personnel on site were safely evacuated.
A major emergency response was launched, with nine fire appliances and a specialist vehicle from the Airport Fire and Rescue Service. Police officers and ambulance staff were also on the scene.
Swift actions
Chief Fire Officer Mark Christian said: “I would like to commend the firefighters from Castletown and Malew and all other responding crews whose swift actions helped contain the incident and enabled vital operational equipment to be removed from the building before it could be damaged.”
The station’s sprinkler system helped stop the fire spreading more extensively through the building but two fire appliances were damaged.
The full extent of the damage to the building and contents is being assessed and loss adjusters have been appointed for insurance purposes.
Don’t swim in the river
Separately, officers from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture are investigating reports that firefighting foam entered the watercourse during the incident. It is suspected this may have resulted in the death of a number of fish in the River Silverburn near Poulsom Park, Castletown.
People are being advised not to swim in the river for the next 28 days.
Christian said: “We recognise the concern regarding the possible impact on the River Silverburn and regret the loss of fish that has been reported.
“However, the priority during the incident was to save the station building and prevent the fire spreading further. Investigations into the environmental impacts are continuing alongside our own inquiries into the cause of the fire.”
Assessing the damage
Christian said: “Our focus has now moved from responding to the fire to understanding the full extent of the damage and planning the recovery of the site.
“Significant work lies ahead. We need to complete detailed assessments of the building, equipment and infrastructure before decisions can be made about repairs and restoration.
“While emergency cover remains fully in place for the community, it is likely to be some time before the station itself can return to normal use.”