Fires

Summary

The request sought statistics on trackside fires attributed to the Isle of Man steam railway and the usage of the fire train, along with mitigation measures. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that 26 fires were recorded, 11 were handled by the fire train, and detailed several safety protocols implemented to reduce fire risks.

Key Facts

• 26 fires were recorded in the vicinity of railway lines during the exceptionally hot and dry year.
• The fire train was used to deal with 11 of these fires.
• Mitigation measures include enhanced vegetation management and minimized train lengths to reduce spark ejection.
• Spark arrestors have been fitted to all locomotives and ash pans are emptied more frequently.
• A controlled burn process is being developed in high-risk areas with assistance from DEFA and IOMFRS.

Data Disclosed

• 26 fires
• 11 fires
• 2022-08-10
• 2022-08-30
• 2573121

Original Request

How many trackside fires have been attributed to the island's steam railway this year and what steps have been taken to lower the risk of such fires? Secondly, how many times has the fire train been used to assists the fire and rescue service this year?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Department of Infrastructure Sea Terminal Building, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF

Contact: FOI Response Team Telephone: (01624) 686785 Email: dpo-doi@gov.im

Our ref: 2573121 30 August 2022

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 10 August 2022 and which states:

"How many trackside fires have been attributed to the island's steam railway this year and what steps have been taken to lower the risk of such fires? Secondly, how many times has the fire train been used to assists the fire and rescue service this year?"

Our response to your request is as follows: This year, which has been exceptionally hot and dry, there have been 26 fires recorded by the Department in the vicinity of the railway lines. Actions the Department have in place to mitigate the risk of fires include:- • An ongoing enhanced programme of vegetation management to reduce overgrowth around the tracks is in place. • Train lengths have been minimised to lower load on the engine and reduce the chances of spark ejection. • Continuous communication with the IOMFRS. • The fire train is a dedicated engineering loco and crew which are put on standby in the event of heightened fire risk. The fire train is manned by members of the Permanent Way team and on standby while been services are running. • Spark arrestors have been fitted to all the locomotives. • Ash pans are emptied more frequently to reduce the volume of ash in the loco. • Fire locations are tracked and the fire train placed at the point of highest risk/least travel to speed up response. • The Department are developing a controlled burn process in the areas of highest risk. This has required assistance from DEFA and IOMFRS, specialist equipment and training for Railway staff.
A total of 11 fires were dealt with using the Fire train. The Permanent Way team work closely with the IOMFRS and other Emergency Services at all times. Please quote the reference number 2573121 in any future communications.

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FOI Response Team