Bin fire in Douglas caused by discarded ashes

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service is advising people to ensure ashes are completely cool before throwing them in a bin. 

It follows a bin fire in Douglas that had a risk of spreading to an adjacent property, which was caused by hot ashes that had been discarded from a previous fire. 

Although the owner believed it was no longer hot, the emergency service says ashes can remain hot for many hours, sometimes even days. 

On arrival, crews extinguished the fire using a high-pressure hose reel.

Fire safety advice on disposing of ashes

Ashes can remain hot enough to cause a fire for many hours, and sometimes even days, after a fire appears to have gone out.

When disposing of ashes:

• Allow them to cool completely before disposal.

• Never assume ashes are cold simply because they look or feel cool on the surface.

• Place ashes in a metal container with a secure lid, away from buildings, bins and other combustible materials.

• Never put hot or warm ashes directly into a wheelie bin or other plastic waste container.

• If in doubt, leave them to cool for longer.