Members of the public are being asked to take simple precautions to help reduce the risk of fires starting, including not lighting fires or barbecues around dry vegetation, not smoking or discarding cigarette butts or litter including glass that can start fires. Drivers are also asked not to park on long grass where hot exhausts could ignite a fire.

Richard Seed, Environmental and Engagement Manager at Manx National Heritage, said:

“Our countryside and nature reserves are incredibly vulnerable during prolonged periods of dry weather. Wildfires can spread rapidly and devastate habitats, putting wildlife populations at serious risk. We’re asking everyone to play their part by taking extra care when enjoying the outdoors and following simple precautions which can help prevent wildfires”.

If a fire is spotted in the countryside, people are advised to move to a place of safety immediately and call 999 without delay. The public should not assume someone else has already reported the incident and should never attempt to tackle a countryside fire themselves.

Carmel Croukamp, Head of Engagement at Manx Wildlife Trust, added:

“In dry upland conditions, fires can spread far faster than many people realise. A discarded cigarette, disposable barbecue or even parking on long dry grass can be enough to start a serious fire. We’re asking everyone visiting the countryside to think carefully about fire risk and help prevent avoidable incidents before they happen”.

Allison Leonard, Manx BirdLife Managing Director said:

”Many of our bird species are already under significant pressure, and wildfires place even greater strain on vulnerable ground-nesting birds such as hen harriers and curlews, particularly during the breeding season. Even relatively small fires can devastate nests, destroy feeding areas and put chicks at serious risk. By taking a few simple precautions, the public can play an important role in helping to protect the Isle of Man’s birdlife and precious upland habitats”.

In addition to the many thousands of acres of Manx countryside under the care and management of wildlife charities such as Manx National Heritage, Manx Wildlife Trust and Manx BirdLife, heritage sites are also at risk, with recurring instances of damage caused by disposable barbecues to field monuments at various locations throughout the island.

Andy Johnson, Inspector of Ancient Monuments at MNH, added:

“Around this time of year we start to see damage at some of the monuments in our care and, while this can often seem to be fairly localised and insignificant, there has been at least one occasion when a major fire started on the cliffs at Port Grenaugh after a barbecue tray was emptied over the edge.  This kind of localised burning damage can also limit our ability as archaeologists to undertake scientific investigations at these sites in the future”.

All three charities thanked the public for their support and cooperation in helping protect the Island’s natural and cultural landscapes.