Warning after disposable BBQ sparks woodland fire

Firefighters have issued a warning after tackling a woodland blaze caused by a disposable barbecue.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to Grace Dieu Woods, east of the village Thringstone, at 11:10 BST on Monday.

The fire was extinguished, but crews returned to the scene to dampen down on Tuesday and said it was an "ongoing incident due to the hot, dry conditions".

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "We must again urge the public to be extremely careful with anything that could start a fire during this continuing heatwave."

In a statement, the fire service added: "Barbecues, cigarettes, bonfires, even glassware left in the sun - all could spark a wildfire that could burn for a prolonged time.

"Please be extra vigilant - the public are our eyes and ears, and swift responses to fires in the open can often mean the difference between a small fire that is stopped quickly, or a wildfire that lasts for days."

The warning from the fire service comes as parts of the UK face the fourth heatwave of the year.

The East Midlands is under an amber heat health alert from 09:00 on Wednesday until 09:00 on Thursday.

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