Bedfordshire firefighters tackle large Lower Sundon field fire

Several fire crews attended the scene on Wednesday afternoon on in Lower Sundon, Luton

Firefighters have tackled a large stubble field fire on the outskirts of a town.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said multiple vehicles were sent to Lower Sundon, Luton, after it was called at 14:02 BST on Wednesday.

The blaze affected 38 acres - an area about the size of 20 football pitches.

With an extreme heat warning in place over the next four days, it asked people to be "extra careful in these extremely dry conditions".

Crews worked to extinguish the flames and dampen down hot spots

The fire has been fully extinguished.

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Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue advised people to keep their windows and doors closed

"Having attended several large fires over the last week, we want to make everyone aware of how dangerous they are and how quick they can spread", the fire service said.

It has asked people not to use disposable barbecues on the ground or grassy areas, not to have bonfires and not to throw cigarettes out of car windows or onto the ground.

A Met Office amber extreme heat warning has come into force, with temperatures forecast to hit 37C (99F) in some parts of the UK over the next four days.

It has also issued its highest alert for fire severity over the weekend, warning there is an "exceptional" risk of blazes spreading in many places.

Dunstable Downs, in Bedfordshire, in May 2022

The National Trust, at Dunstable Downs, shared two photos showing the difference to its terrain in just three months.

"While colour changes are normal in chalk grassland, the recent heatwaves have had a big impact on our environment and fire risk is high," it said.

Dunstable Down in August 2022 after weeks of hot weather and little rain

To help protect the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the trust has been asking visitors to not light fires or barbecues, smoke and to dispose of glass "appropriately".