The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to take care when discarding cigarettes or using naked flames in rural areas following a grass fire near Howstrake.
Fire crews were called to King Edward Road in Onchan at approximately 11.20am on Wednesday after a fire broke out on the verge alongside the Manx Electric Railway tramlines.
The blaze was spreading north towards an area of thick vegetation and gorse, prompting firefighters to request an additional appliance and a water bowser to ensure there was enough water available to tackle the incident.
The extra resources were also used to thoroughly dampen down the area in a bid to prevent the fire from reigniting or spreading further.
Crews worked quickly to bring the blaze under control and prevented it from reaching the nearby vegetation.
King Edward Road was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident, with the Isle of Man Constabulary monitoring the closure to allow firefighters to work safely.
Manx Electric Railway services were also affected, with staff stopping trams while crews tackled the fire close to the tracks.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
In an update issued on Wednesday evening, the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Douglas crews attended a grass fire near Howstrake on King Edward Road, Onchan at approximately 11:20 today.
‘The fire was on the verge alongside the tramlines and spreading north towards an area of thick vegetation and gorse.
‘An additional appliance and water bowser were requested to ensure an adequate water supply to extinguish the fire and thoroughly dampen down the area to prevent reignition or further spread.
‘Crews worked quickly to bring the fire under control, preventing it from spreading.’
The service thanked Manx Electric Railway staff for ensuring tram services were stopped and the police for monitoring the road closure.
It also warned that, despite recent rainfall, vegetation remains dry following the warm and settled weather experienced during the summer.
The fire service said: ‘Despite recent rainfall, ground conditions remain dry following the good weather over summer and rainfall has not been sufficient to fully saturate vegetation.
‘We’d remind the public to remain vigilant regarding fire safety, avoid discarding cigarettes or naked flames in rural areas and report any signs of fire promptly.’
An Isle of Man Today reporter attended the scene, with live updates from the incident available HERE.