A BONFIRE that was left unattended is believed to have caused a fire in an industrial unit in Andreas on Tuesday. 

10 firefighters, three fire appliances from Ramsey and a bulk water carrier from Douglas were called to a builder's workshop on the airfield at 5.53pm.

On arrival fire crews were faced with a well developed fire inside the building which was intensified by gas cylinders that had begun to vent their contents.

The roof materials were also thought to contain asbestos – which is particularly hazardous when it is heated up as it begins to decompose and break up.

This and the leaking gas meant fire crews could not make an aggressive attack on the fire.

The officer in charge made the decision to take a defensive stance and, in order to protect other buildings and the surrounding environment, fight the fire from outside and up-wind.

The bulk water carrier, which is capable of carrying 1,000 gallons of water, attended the scene as the nearest hydrant was around a half mile round trip away.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 8pm. Firefighters then entered the building to damp down the area and remove the gas cylinders.

During the time it took to extinguish the fire an additional fire crew from Kirk Michael was put on standby at Ramsey Fire Station to ensure cover was retained to the north of the Island.

Isle of Man Fire and Rescue has issued a reminder to the public to build bonfires well clear of buildings, garden sheds and hedges and to make sure they are not left unattended.

Manx Gas will recover old and unwanted gas cylinders and will make a donation to charity for each one collected. Anyone wishing to use this service is asked to telephone 01624 644449.