FIREFIGHTERS tackled a large blaze at Stoney Mountain Road near Foxdale on Friday evening after receiving a call about a bin fire at 9.40pm.
Station officer Nigel Cain said: ‘On arrival, the Douglas crew discovered that the fire was in fact much larger and was in a pile of rubbish about 15 metres by 20 metres that was due to be processed and appeared to have been burning for some time.’
After seeking expert advice from the Manx Electricity Authority, due to the close proximity of high voltage overhead power lines, the fire was carefully hosed with several thousand gallons of water.
The burning material was then covered with earth and rubble using a 25-tonne excavator.
The fire continues to burn under the supervision of the site operator and has been reviewed by the fire service.
‘It may burn for some time but, as it is being managed, it is unlikely to pose any serious ongoing hazard,’ said Mr Cain. ‘CCTV recordings are being reviewed in an attempt to establish a cause.’