A FIRE warning has been released by officials after the continued dry spell has increased the risk of blazes.

The record-breaking spring heatwave has seen firefighters from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service receive more calls to small fires in rural areas and to deliberate urban blazes.

Steve Borrell, community risk reduction manager, said: “I’d like to remind people to take extra care during this ‘barbecue spring’ we have been enjoying in recent weeks and to think about fire safety.

“The ground is very dry at the moment and it doesn’t take much to start a fire but at the same time fires are easily preventable.”

Herts Fire say there is a risk of small fires getting out of control and, although they not generally life threatening, lasting damage can be caused to farmland, public spaces and wildlife.

The service urge people to be careful with cigarette butts, barbecues and glass bottles - which can magnify the sun’s rays and cause fires.