People are being urged to exercise caution when burning things in the countryside.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says there's a heightened risk to wildlife due to the warm weather.

Minister Geoffrey Boot says: "The recent dry spell has left many areas of heather and gorse tinder-dry. 

"This vegetation could easily ignite and a fire could quickly spread out of control with disastrous consequences for the local environment and bio-diversity.

"It only takes a discarded cigarette or small fire not being put our properly, for things to quickly escalate."

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service has dealt with two fires in the last week which both started off as controlled but quickly escalated out of control.

Anyone who is planning a fire is asked to contact the Emergency Services Joint Control Room in advance.