Weather prompts wildfire warning

With the recent warmer weather set to continue, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to take precautions to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Areas such as Fire Beacon Hill, Mutters Moor and Woodbury Common are particularly susceptible to the risk of damaging gorse blazes.

A fire service spokesman said people visiting the countryside should make sure they extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly.

The spokesman added that people should never throw cigarette ends out of car windows.

Bottles or glasses should not be left out, as sun shining through the glass can start fires, and they should instead be taken home or disposed of in recycling bins. People should avoid using open fires, and any fires seen in the countryside should be reported immediately.

Members of the public should not attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water.

They should, instead, leave the area as quickly as possible before contacting the fire service.