PEOPLE are being warned not to use barbecues on the Blackdown and Quantock Hills and Exmoor during the current warm and dry weather conditons.

It follows a Met Office amber warning for fire severity across parts of the country after the sunniest March on record, with dry conditions predicted to continue in the schools Easter holidays.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said during what was exceptionally dry weather, people should be ‘extremely vigilant’ to reduce the risk of uncontrolled moorland fires.

The brigade said sensitive areas such as Exmoor could suffer long lasting damage to wildlife and a significant impact on the landscape from uncontrolled wildfires.

Wildfires also put livestock and the public at risk.

DSFR watch manager Ian Donovan said: “We are asking people not to use barbecues in dry, grassy areas, to take extreme care when disposing of cigarettes and matches, and to take all litter home when they leave.

“Great care should also be taken with camping stoves and fuel which are always best placed on flat stones wherever possible.”

Mr Donovan said with the increased risk of wildfires, people should do the following to protect everybody:

• Avoid using disposable barbecues in dry, grassy areas

• Never leave fires unattended and ensure they are fully extinguished

• Always put cigarettes out properly before disposing of them

• Dispose of rubbish responsibly - sunlight reflecting off glass can ignite fires

He said in the event of seeing a fire, people should report it quickly to the fire service by calling 999 and providing information which can help the firefighters find the location.

The DSFR warning comes after several heathland fires on commons on the edge of Exmoor, some of which are suspected to have been started deliberately, and one on the Quantocks near West Bagborough.