Honiton: Devon Fire Service and East Devon District Council issue wildfire warnings

Devon and Somerset Fire Service and East Devon District Council have both warned the public about the dangers of wildfires this summer.

The fire services have had an extremely busy few months and are receiving far more calls than they usually would.

A protracted period of dry weather has also contributed to several out of control BBQs.

A statement for the Fire and Rescue Service said: "In July this year, our Fire Control answered over 400 calls about small fires in the open, with 114 for one incident alone! This compares to 150 calls received in July 2021.

"As a result of these calls, we attended 322 incidents."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have thanked several supermarkets for no longer selling disposable BBQs. Waitrose, Marks and Spencer and Aldi no longer sell the items, which can easily cause a fire. In addition, if they are disposed of incorrectly they can cause burns.

The rescue service said: "Too many times we have seen how dangerous they can be in causing devastating wildfires, and we have been battling a fire on Bolberry Down in South Devon since the end of May that is believed to have started by a disposable BBQ.

"We hope other retailers will follow suit and stop the sale."

In a statement released on Twitter, East Devon District Council said: "There are serious concerns about the potential for large and prolonged wildfires as the hot, dry weather continues over the coming days.

"Please don't have BBQs or campfires in the countryside or grassland. Discard of cigarettes carefully, don't leave litter, and pick it up if you see it and avoid having bonfires."

You can learn more about how to prevent wildfires by visiting this website.