Firefighters from across Hertfordshire are warning residents of the increased risk of fire caused by the recent spell of dry weather.

The Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued guidance on how to avoid causing a blaze, especially in the countryside.

Chief Fire Officer, Roy Wilsher said: "I'd like to remind people to take extra care and to think about fire safety. The ground is very dry at the moment and it doesn't take much to start a fire.

“Every year thousands of acres of countryside, open space and wildlife habitats are destroyed by fire and this risk increases during dry weather.

"However, fires in open spaces and the countryside are easily preventable if people take sensible precautions.”

Residents are being urged to make sure they clear up their rubbish, to ensure that cigarettes are properly extinguished and avoid lighting barbecues outside of authorised areas.

For more information on fire safety visit www.hertsdirect.org/fire.