A leading animal charity in the South West has teamed up with a fire service to warn people of the dangers of wild fires.

Devon Wildlife Trust and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have teamed up to warn of the rising risks that fire poses to some of the regions most treasured landscapes.

With the long range weather forecast predicting little prospect of rain, the two groups are now promoting a message about safe and responsible use of rural areas.

The warning comes after a devastating fire struck East Devon's Woodbury Common last month.

Steve Hussey, from Devon Wildlife Trust, said: "Wild fires can be devastating for wildlife, as well as potentially dangerous for people and damaging to farmland.

"Heathlands, with their coverings of gorse and grasses, are particularly vulnerable when the weather remains dry for several weeks.

"Having experienced a couple of months without significant rainfall, even though the weather has been cold, parts of our countryside are now at risk.

“We are doing our bit to protect our wonderful countryside from the risk of fire.

"Our staff and volunteers are remaining vigilant and cutting fire breaks, especially on vulnerable grassland, heathland and moorland sites.

"But with 50 nature reserves in Devon we have a lot of ground to cover. That’s why the public’s help is so important. "What we’re asking people to do is follow the good advice of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.”

The trust are now asking people to take care on all its 50 nature reserves but especially on its heathland sites which include Chudleigh Knighton Heath and Bovey Heathfield nature reserves near Bovey Tracey, Venn Ottery and Bystock nature reserves in East Devon.

Joe Hassell, area manager of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We want people to be able to enjoy the countryside, but ask them to be vigilant during drier weather to help prevent more gorse fires in the future.

"A change in wind direction can cause the fire to spread rapidly, putting fire fighters at risk as well as nearby people and property."

The fire service are recommending that people extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly, never throw cigarette ends out of car windows, and don't leave bottles or glass in the countryside, as glass shining through them can start fires.

They also recommend not using open fires, or barbeques, in the countryside, and to report fires immediately.

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For more information please visit devonwildlifetrust.org.