COUNTRYSIDE charity, the CLA is warning of increased fire risk, especially on hillsides, moors and heathland due to recent warm weather drying the land.

It is urging people emerging from lockdown to not throw cigarettes or other smouldering material such as barbeque coals, also warning that bottles and shards of glass can spark a fire.

CLA Director South West, Ann Maidment, said: “Large wildfires are thankfully rare. But, when they do occur, can be very serious, affecting large areas of the countryside and can cause untold damage to wildlife, destroying ecosystems in a matter of hours which have taken years to establish.

“We appeal to the public to be extra vigilant when visiting the countryside, do not throw lit cigarette ends out of your vehicle and if you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately.

“It only takes a small spark to start a fire on ground as dry as it is currently, so extra caution must be taken to help protect crops, wildlife and habitats.

“Prevention is better than cure, and especially now when we can ill afford to be putting undue stress on the emergency services.”

In case of a fire alert the emergency services by calling 999.