For the second year in succession the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture and the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service are urging visitors to the countryside to take great care due to the heightened risk of wildfire during this continued spell of dry weather.
 
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture said: “It is important to protect our valuable countryside from damage by unplanned wildfires. Despite the occasional light shower in recent weeks, areas of heather, gorse, grass and farmers crops are still tinder dry. In addition to this, the flammable upland peat soils will remain at great risk until we see some significant rainfall.
 
“Whilst crops and native vegetation can recover from accidental fires, wildlife can perish and peat soils can be destroyed. The upland peat soils store large amounts of carbon which has accumulated over thousands of years. As peat burns, it releases this stored carbon directly into the atmosphere adding to net emissions. Even small scale peat loss can destroy habitats, discolour drinking water and have a negative environmental impact for many generations to come.
 
“Large swathes of the Department’s estate that are open to the public are particularly vulnerable to fire and include the upland heather moors, forestry plantations and areas of coastal heath such as the Ayres National Nature Reserve”.
 
Kevin Groom, Chief Fire Officer said: “I fully endorse the comments made by Minister Ronan and would add that the Isle of Man has a natural beauty which can be easily harmed by one thoughtless or accidental action. I would urge everyone whilst enjoying our countryside to keep it safe and think about the consequences of a fire occurring.”
 
To protect against the risk of fire the public is asked:

•         Not to light bonfires, camp fires or barbeques anywhere near combustible vegetation;
•         Not to light and release Chinese Lanterns;
•         Not to place disposable barbeques directly on the ground and preferably avoid their use altogether;
•         Not to dispose of smouldering cigarettes out of car windows, particularly whilst driving through the uplands;
•         Please take your litter home with you. Discarded glass bottles can ignite fires.
 
As controlled burning of upland heath is undertaken over the winter months, any fire during the summer is very likely to be accidental and should be reported immediately to the Emergency Services Joint Control room by dialling 999.