The fire service dealt with three incidents of suspected arson last night.

Just before midnight firefighters received a call to a heath fire on the approach to Eary Cushlin, Dalby.#

Crews were sent from Peel and Port Erin to deal with this fire.

As the Port Erin crew was making its way to the incident members came across a second fire near the picnic site on the Sloc, which they stopped to deal with.

Crews shortly after became aware of a third fire at the top of the Sloc on the footpath to Cronk Ny Arrey Laa, so Castletown station was despatched to deal with this fire.

A fire service spokesman said: ’The fire service believes these fires were deliberately started and are working closely with the police and Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture wardens to track the culprits.

’What may look like scrubland is often home to the island’s unique flora and fauna, and one site involved last night is believed to be a nesting site for grouse and hen harriers, both species struggling for numbers on the island.’

He urged anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it to the police.