We have all been enjoying a wonderful spell of dry, sunny weather which has undoubtedly made the lockdown situation more bearable.

But this has also brought with it the increased possibility of wildfires which can so easily start in tinder-dry grass and bracken.

Fire and rescue service sub-officer David Dallimore, a member of the community safety team, has written this guide on how to help prevent fires, for everyone who is out and about enjoying the countryside.

Long periods of hot weather can increase the risk of grass fires and this type of fire can get out of hand very quickly, cause extensive damage and put lives at risk.

They can also last for several days once a fire takes hold, using up valuable fire service resources which could be needed elsewhere.

What can cause a grass fire? Anything that is burning.

The most common offenders are cigarettes and barbecues.

Cigarettes dropped on dry grass that have not been properly extinguished are very likely to cause a grass fire. Even cigarettes thrown from a car window can start a fire.

Many roads are banked by or near to grassland and these can be easily set on fire by a cigarette when dried out.

Disposable barbecues can cause fires when smouldering ash and embers are carried by the wind onto areas of dry grass.

Disposable barbecues that have been discarded and abandoned can still end up causing a fire as they will continue to retain heat after use.

The barbecues need to be put right out and cooled before being thrown away.

Grass fires can spread very fast.

So if you see dry grass smouldering, please call 999 and report it immediately so that firefighters can deal with it and stop it from spreading.

Prevention Tips:

Don’t drop cigarettes or anything that is burning on dry ground.

Don’t drop cigarettes out of car windows, they may land on dry grass by the roadside.

Only use barbecues in suitable and safe areas, never leave them unattended and have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergency use.

Make sure you dispose of any barbecues correctly, they should be fully extinguished and cold before disposing of the contents.

Keep young children and ball games away from barbecues.

Only use barbecues in suitable and safe areas and never leave them unattended.

Sunlight shining through glass can start large fires, take glass bottles and jars home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.

If a fire breaks out, please call the Fire and rescue service immediately.

It can be hard to give the location for an open area so mention any landmarks, such as a public house or a church in the vicinity.

Do not attempt to put the fire out yourself unless it is very small.

Grass and crop fire can travel very quickly and change direction without warning.

Please take care when in the countryside and alert the Fire and rescue service as early as possible by calling 999.

An early call could mean the difference between a small, easily-controllable fire and a widespread devastating fire.