Wildfire warning to public amid 'heightened risk'

The fire service tackled a large fire on Chobham Common in 2020

A fire service has issued a warning to the public saying there is a "heightened risk" of wildfires in the county.

Surrey Fire & Rescue Service said those visiting the countryside this week could help to prevent wildfires.

A spokesperson said: "This summer we are asking people to leave disposable barbecues at home, avoid setting up campfires on open areas and when you do take a picnic please take all of your litter home."

The public were asked to call 999 to report a wildfire if they saw one, and not assume someone else had already called it in.

"The sooner we get the record of the call, the sooner we can get to the site," the spokesperson said.

In April a grass fire at Box Hill caused by four disposable barbecues damaged the popular spot, putting wildlife and people at risk, according to the fire service.

The service previously said wetter winters and drier summers meant wildfires were becoming more of a risk, and were common in Surrey due to large parts of heathland near urban areas.