Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service have again warned of the dangers of open-air fires being sparked in the dry heat wave conditions.

Fire crews across Cornwall have attended many fires due to these hot conditions.

The service said in a statement: ‘If you are thinking of having a controlled burn please consider waiting until the current weather conditions have subsided.

‘Please feel free to contact the Critical Control Centre on 0203 162 2240 for advice on controlled burns and other fire safety issues.’

To avoid starting fires please follow the following tips:

Never throw cigarette ends out of a car window.

Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.

Make sure your barbecue site is flat and away from fences, trees and sheds.

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, in case of emergencies.

Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about 5 centimetres (2 inches).

Never use petrol or paraffin to start, or revive your barbecue - use only barbecue fire lighters or starter fuel on cold coals.

Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin.

If you discover a fire:

Do not be tempted to investigate.

Leave the area as quickly as possible and call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.

Do not return unless the fire and rescue service tells you that it is safe to do so.