The Met Office has issued a wildfire warning in Britain as temperatures are set to soar above 22°C.
It comes weeks after the UK saw the hottest day of the year with temperatures of just 20°C in southern parts of England.
Now, an amber fire warning has been issued for most of England and extends into Northern Ireland and Scotland.
A grass blaze has already broken out in the Dumbarton area after firefighters put another out near Glasgow.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Group Commander Garry Douglas said: ‘During any period of heightened risk, fires can ignite easily, spread very quickly, and burn with high intensity.
‘At this time of year in early spring, we typically have a large volume of dead, bone-dry vegetation across large areas of countryside. This essentially acts as a fuel for the fire.
‘There are currently vast areas that are tinder dry and vulnerable, which provides all the ingredients for fire to take hold and spread. Human behaviour is the cause of most wildfires in Scotland, so it is imperative we all act responsibly while enjoying the outdoors, especially over the coming days of predicted sunshine.’
Met meteorologist Kathryn Chalk explained: ‘With strong winds and ongoing dry/warm weather this brings a continued likelihood for wildfire conditions through the period.
‘There is currently an amber fire danger rating across England extending into Northern Ireland and the rest of southern Scotland on Wednesday.’
But it’s not all bad news – rain showers will move into the southwest of England to help alleviate the danger.
But those enjoying the warm weather have been warned to be extra cautious with windy areas – especially if they’re dealing with barbecues and cigarettes.
‘We want everyone to enjoy the sunshine but we urge people to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and help prevent a grass fire from starting,’ London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Paul McCourt said.
‘Recent events in Los Angeles and South Korea have demonstrated how rapidly fires can spread outdoors, even when temperatures are not at their highest.
How to prevent a wildfire
The Red Cross gives detailed advice on what to do to prevent a wildfire:
Don’t drop cigarettes or anything that is burning on dry ground
Don’t drop cigarettes out of car windows, they may land on dry grass by the roadside
Avoid having barbecues in parks and public spaces
Never leave campfires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly after you have finished using them
Position your barbecue on level ground and keep it well away from anything that may catch fire.
Do not barbecue on balconies, the wind may carry smouldering ash towards nearby grassland If you’re barbecuing near dry grass have a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergency use
Be aware that children, animals, balls, or anything else may knock over barbecues, increasing the risk of grass fires, especially when in busy parks or public spaces
Dispose of glass bottles properly. Sunlight can become focused as it shines through the glass, starting fires
Keep children away from lighters and matches.
‘The Met Office has issued an amber wildfire warning, covering London, and this will be in place for the rest of the week.
‘As the weather warms up and we head towards Friday and the weekend, we would urge Londoners not to have barbecues in open spaces or on balconies, including disposable barbecues, to throw rubbish away, and to dispose of cigarettes carefully to avoid inadvertently starting a fire.’
On Friday, London will enjoy temperatures of 20°C, paired with partly sunny skies – so be sure to pack the suncream if you’re venturing outdoors.
Britain’s hottest day of the year so far came in at 20C in late March – but the highest temperature recorded during the first day of spring previously was in 1972, when a temperature of 21.5°C was recorded.
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