Red fire severity alert issued in Wiltshire

The risk of fire in Wiltshire has rocketed, after 180 fires were recorded in 10 days- resulting in a red fire severity alert.

It has been described as an "unprecedented increase" in fires in the open in August by the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and rescue service.

Rescuers attended 180 fires in the open from August 1 - 10 this year.

But in the same period last year, the service dealt with only 34 incidents of this nature- showing a rise of over 429%.

A red alert means that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry conditions.

The risk is greatest on large areas of open land, such as heathlands, fields and even cliffsides.

Group Manager Stuart Gillion said: "After months of warm and dry weather, our countryside areas are tinder-dry.

"This not only increases the risk of fires spreading quickly but also increases the risk of ignition .

"We are urging local farmers to take extra care, as sparks from hot machinery can easily lead to a field catching fire, and we ask everyone enjoying our beautiful countryside and coastline to take extra care and be vigilant with anything that could lead to a fire starting."

Red fire severity alert issued in Wiltshire | Wiltshire Times