Increase in rural fires prompts warning

A fire service has warned people to take extra care to prevent fires during the dry weather.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said a risk of fires would increase as the warm weather continues this weekend.

It said the number of field and agricultural fires beween January and March was up by about a third on what would normally be expected during the period.

Mike Anthony, who is responsible for emergency preparedness at the service, urged people to enjoy the warm weather "responsibly".

Mr Anthony said: "We're seeing wetter winters, which is causing vegetation, grassland, moorland, heathland, to kind of grow quicker than expected.

"As we move into the spring months, that's dried out, and then, with increased temperatures being seen over summer months, that obviously has an impact on the amount of fires and incidents of this type that we're seeing."

According to The National Fire Chiefs Council, the UK has seen 286 wildfires so far this year.

It said that was more than 100 above the number recorded during the same period in 2022, a year that saw record-breaking temperatures and wildfire activity.

Mr Anthony said: "Unfortunately, these types of incidents are becoming more frequent."

The Met Office warned the risk of wildfires was severe as above-average temperatures were expected into next week, but the risks were reducing slightly.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service reminded people how they can reduce the risk of causing a fire:

• Take all rubbish home – glass bottles and litter can start fires

• Never drop cigarettes – they can ignite dry grass instantly

• Avoid open flames and disposable barbecues in dry areas

• Check farm and garden machinery for sparks

• Have water or an extinguisher nearby when working outdoors

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.