Volunteers avert major fire at plantation

Firefighters say two quick-thinking members of the public averted what could have been a huge fire in an Island plantation this week.

Fire crews from Peel were called to Arrasey Plantation on Monday evening because of a gorse fire.

The two people, who were doing voluntary work there, raised the alarm and managed to keep the fire contained.

Firefighters have now issued advice to those heading out into the countryside as summer approaches.

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service says anyone in the countryside should avoid open fires, having them in safe, designated areas instead.

There's also a warning about leaving bottles or glass in woodlands as they can focus sunlight and start fires.

And cigarette ends shouldn't be thrown out of car windows as they can easily start fires if blown into dry vegetation.