Fire chiefs warn over gorse fire spread

Caution urged after spate of blazes

Island fire chiefs have urged landowners to contact them before starting heathland burning-off - after two fires spread out of control in the past two days.

Officers say fires should only be set if there is no likelihood of spread - and a responsible person should remain on site at all times.

Last night (Wed 1 June) a 50-square metre area of dense gorse caught light at Shore Road in Kirk Michael, threatening a nearby property.

The six-wheel drive Pinzgauer all-terrain truck was used to reach the scene.

Five crews spent several hours bringing a blaze under control the previous day at Agneash near Laxey - when strong winds fanned flames from an earlier gorse-burning operation.

The fire safety department says prior notice of burning-off should be given to the emergency services joint control room (ESJCR).