FIREFIGHTERS have spoken out about a number of wildfires in Hereford over recent weeks.

Pictures show firefighters tackling a blaze in fields in Belmont last week, but it's not the only time crews have been called to put out fires in the open recently.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said it had been called to a number of wildfires around Hereford, including the Belmont area, and elsewhere in the region.

A spokesperson said the fires are mostly down to accidental causes, among them an out-of-control campfire, which can set fire to extremely dry vegetation, including hedges, bushes and grass.

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Other typical causes of fires in the open at this time of year include barbecues, glassware and carelessly discarded cigarettes

If the fire service suspects that fires may have been started deliberately, it will tell the police for further investigation and then work with them to identify the cause.

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"We would remind people to exercise extreme caution during the current heatwave, including avoiding disposable barbecues and campfires in open spaces, and not dropping cigarettes, or bottles or other glassware which can concentrate the sun’s rays and ignite fires," the fire service said.

"Additionally, we would request people not to burn their waste for the time being, as this can also get out of control very fast."