Prevent Wildfires This Spring

The Isle of Man Fire & Rescue Service is ramping up efforts to protect communities, natural habitats and wildlife from wildfires.

With rising temperatures and dry conditions increasing the risk, the service is urging everyone to take proactive measures to prevent wildfires and ensure safety.

Wildfires

Many wildfires originate from activity such as :

• Disposable barbecues – used inappropriately, and not extinguishing them properly can start a fire.
• Littering – from improper disposal of a cigarette to dropped litter such as glass and other reflective items. Mirrored and glass items can concentrate sunlight, creating enough heat to start a fire.
• Unattended fires – campfires, bonfires, camp stoves and barbecues left unattended or not fully extinguished can very easily spread out of control
• Deliberate fire-setting – Some wildfires are intentionally started, whether as acts of arson or for other purposes.

Other factors and causes such as :

• Weather conditions – prolonged high temperatures, low rain and humidity and high winds can all make perfect conditions for wildfires.

Prevention

The service asks people to do the following to prevent wildfires happening:

• Avoiding using disposable barbecues and take a picnic instead
• Always place disposable barbeques on a non-flammable, stable surface, away from dry grass and vegetation
• Never leave a lit or warm barbecue, campfire or campstove unattended. Ensure that they are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of the contents/taking home for disposal.
• Use designated barbeque areas where available

• Disposing of litter properly – 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.
• Never setting off sky lanterns
• Disposing of cigarettes and e-cigarettes safely – ensure they are properly extinguished and don’t drop cigarettes or throw them from a car window. Faulty batteries or hot components in e-cigarettes can also easily ignite dry vegetation.
• Check with the landowners if barbecues, campfies and campstoves are permitted.

Danger of Fire

Leading Firefighter Richard Little said: “Wildfires can be dangerous, not only to the public, but devastating to the local wildlife and environment.

“Disposable barbecues retain their heat for a long time so if using one, ensure it is fully out, then take it home with you. Consider bringing a picnic instead.

“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-speading fires.”