Residents urged to be vigilant after woodland fire

The blaze at East Blean Woods was discovered by a dog walker who contacted emergency services

The fire service has urged residents to help reduce the risk of wildfires this summer following a woodland blaze.

Kent Fire & Rescue Service (KFRS) said a dog walker discovered the fire in East Blean Woods in Hoath, Canterbury.

The fire service said it believed the blaze was caused by a disposable barbecue that had been left unattended while still hot.

Yasimin Djemal, who was walking her dogs through the woods, said: "I could smell smoke, but I couldn't see it, so I wandered for a bit and then I saw it. I was horrified."

She added: "We're so lucky to have these woods, and to know someone could just leave a fire like this is gutting."

Firefighters extinguished the flames using flexi-packs and a fogging unit, two all-terrain vehicles and one fire engine.

The incident took place late last month and KFRS is reminding residents to exercise fire safety precautions, especially as warm weather is expected to continue.

KFRS crew manager Dave Turner said: "Thankfully Yasimin came across the fire before it could fully develop, but the outcome could've been very different.

"During the summer, the ground can be extremely hot and dry, which means a fire can spread quickly and cause devastating consequences for wildlife, property and livelihoods."

Mr Turner said leaving any outdoor flame unattended was dangerous.

"Items such as disposable barbecues and cigarettes need to be fully cool before being safely disposed of," he added.

"It's also important to only barbecue in designated areas."