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People urged not to light campfires or disposable barbecues in countryside

Tue, 13 Jun 2023


People are urged not to light campfires or disposable barbecues in the Manx countryside due to the “heightened risk of wildfires".
 
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture 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.
 
Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, 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 barbeques, 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.
 
New signage has been put up to remind those visiting DEFA managed forests, glens and plantations of the wildfire risks.

 


 

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