Wildfire fears mount during extreme heat

Right across the South East, temperatures have been well above 30C for several days - and with that comes the very real risk of wildfires.

They are almost always started by human activity, so visitors to the region's beauty spots this half-term are being asked to avoid activities that could trigger them.

People are being advised to properly dispose of cigarettes and to only have fires or barbecues in designated safe areas, while disposable barbecues should be avoided altogether.

Matthew Gamblen, wildfire tactical advisor at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS), said: "Stay vigilant when you're out enjoying the countryside... any ignition source can cause them."

He added: "The vegetation is particularly dry at the moment, so the fires we get are more severe, bigger, and travel further distances."

WSFRS has recently launched a wildfire patrol group, which is asking dog walkers, landowners, and walking groups to "become the eyes and ears" in the countryside.

People who sign up to the initiative are given training to identify risks that could lead to a fire breaking out.

Ash Walmsley, head of countryside at Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, said people should just "use a bit of common sense and act responsibly".

"I think we need to be very careful about the actions we're taking anywhere at the moment," he said.

"If a fire did get going it could quickly become very, very dangerous, and in these hot, dry conditions, it can spread incredibly quickly.

"It's a criminal offence, so you could face enforcement action, and also you're putting lives at risk by doing it."

Farmer Andrew Strong, from Haywards Heath, lost acres of land to a fire a few years ago.

"It was a very, very dry summer, we were mowing the field, a stone caught and the field went," he said.

"The fire service was superb. The fire there was fairly limited, burned about four or five acres, but if the wind had been in the wrong direction it could've been extremely serious."

Elsewhere in the South East, Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) is also stepping up its warnings.

Gary Miller, wildfire lead officer at KFRS, said: "We want people to enjoy the sunshine but to do safely and to be mindful of any possible risks.

"A poor or irresponsible choice could lead to serious consequences, such as a fire or another type of emergency, so we all need to do our bit to help keep everyone safe.

"Let's all take responsibility and enjoy a safe summer."

In the past two days, KFRS has dealt with a barbecue fire in Aylesford and hay bales which caught fire in Sittingbourne. The cause of the latter is not known.

Surrey Fire & Rescue Service urged visitors to the countryside to "take simple steps to prevent wildfires and protect yourself, wildlife and nature".

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