Thirty five firefighters tackled a major blaze at Arrasey Plantation near Glen Maye.

A bonfire got out of control, setting alight a large area of gorse.

The fire service was mobilised just before midday yesterday (Saturday) following a 999 call.

Two appliances were initially dispatched from Peel and Port Erin fire stations but on the way to the scene, Peel’s crews reported that the fire was very large and further resources would be required.Ultimately, five fire engines and two Pinzgauer off-road vehicles attended.

Due to the location of the fire and no close water main, firefighters employed portable pumps to get water from two ponds.

The fire spread in the wind over a large area which required crews to extend firefighting operations over 800 metres.

During this incident the control room received another call of a fire on the railway embankment in Castletown area.

This left Fire Service resources stretched at a time that roads were about to be closed for Saturday evening’s TT practice.

The Fire Service is urging the public not to light bonfires during this dry spell following a number of recent incidents.