Smoker sparks alert

A smoker staying at the Palace Hotel and Casino in Douglas got an unpleasant surprise on Friday – when their cigarette led to a major alert.

Shortly before 11pm, the Island’s Fire and Rescue Service sent two fire engines to the complex after the building’s fire alarm went off.

However, firefighters found a smoke detector in a guest bedroom had sparked the callout – caused by a cigarette.

Fire crews spent 20 minutes making sure the hotel and guests were safe and the alarm wouldn’t be tripped again.