Fire service sees vegetation fires increase in Herefordshire and Worcestershire during heatwaves
It follows a prolonged period of warm weather
People in both counties are being urged to take extra care near dry grassland and when out in the countryside to reduce the risk of any wildfires.
The warning comes from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service after a number of wildfire incidents have occurred across the country.
It follows a prolonged warm spell which has seen heatwaves hit the region and temperatures reach in their mid 30s.
Group commander from the service Dave Swallow, who is also a national tactical wildfire advisor, said they have been busy responding to calls on such issues.
"Across the region, particularly here in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, we have seen an increase in the number of vegetation fires we're getting," he said.
"We've had a few that have sort of met wildfire criteria, the larger ones, but we've thankfully not seen similar impacts to what they've been getting in other parts of the country.
"Dead vegetation dries out really quickly, what's making things worse at the moment for large parts of the country and why we've seen some red warnings come through the fire severity index particularly is because of the increased wind speeds.
"That just makes any fires that do start far more challenging to deal with because they will be spreading far quicker than they would do if the wind wasn't there."
The service is reminding people to act responsibly when out and about and stick to the safety advice when in outdoor spaces.
"Our request as a fire service is that we ask that people are really careful when they're out and about using the countryside or in their back gardens, because even the vegetation and grass in the back garden or the adjoining land might also be very dry at the moment," group commander Swallow said.
"It's the usual sort of reminders so no campfires, don't have barbecues, don't have disposable barbecues on the ground, be careful if you're smoking.
"Make sure you're completely extinguishing cigarettes and not to be using anything that has a naked flame while you're out and about."
Further safety advice can be found on the National Police Chiefs' Council website.