Bonfires become wildfires, warns fire service

The Isle of Man fire service is stepping up its campaign to stop people lighting bonfires in the countryside.

It comes after another still-smoking fire was discovered in a forest yesterday. 

It had been lit on very dry vegetation in Axnfell Forest, and could have escalated very quickly, said fire chiefs. 

37 wildfires have been dealt with on the island in the last 18 months, one in Dalby took more than 50 firefighters to put out.  

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: “We still want people to enjoy the great outdoors in this glorious weather, but it is crucial to be vigilant.”

Anyone who sees fire or smoke in wide countryside areas should call 999.