Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service have issued a reminder for residents to help prevent gorse fires occuring.

A total of 25 firefighters from Peel, Kirk Michael and Douglas attended to a fire in the Raggatt area on Monday at 12.50pm.

They received reports of a large area of gorse fire in the Patrick Village.

On arrival, crews discovered the flames and requested assistance from other fire stations due to limited resources.

Water from the River Neb was used to fight the fire and equipment was transferred over from adjacent fields.

IOMFRS said that the cause of the fire is unknown.

REMINDER

Crews are reminding members of the public that during the spring and summer months, sunny weather increases the spread of a fire.

IOMFRS said: ’We are currently enjoying a spell of lovely sunny weather on the Isle of Man. Unfortunately we have found that hot weather increases the risk of grass fires and this type of fire can get out of hand very quickly, cause extensive damage and put lives at risk.’

Prevention tips include not dropping cigarettes or anything that is burning on dry ground, use barbeques in suitable and safe areas and never leave unattended and have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergency use, and that sunlight shining through glass can start large fires.

If a fire breaks out, call 999 immediately.

IOMFRS said that when giving locations for an open area, include any landmarks, such as a public house or a church nearby.