Heatwave has left West Sussex tinder dry

County Chief Fire Officer Martin Burrell says the countryside is like a tinderbox ready to catch fire.

With fears that August could be even hotter than July, Mr Burrell is anxious to prevent fires involving crops, grass, hedgerows and the open countryside.

He said: "These fires are much easier to start than you imagine '“ usually by people being careless."

"If there is wind present, it can fan the flames from a small fire into a raging inferno. Sometimes these fires are started deliberately. Arson is as an extremely serious offence and will receive the highest attention from ourselves and the police."

- The Fire and Rescue Service say the following advice will help to curb heath and crop fires:

- Never throw lighted cigarette ends out of the windows of vehicles or trains.

- Clear up and take your rubbish home after a picnic in the countryside.

- Don't be tempted to light a fire in the countryside and only barbecue in authorised areas

- Don't leave glass bottles '“ not only can they hurt people and animals, they can also magnify the sun's rays and start a fire.