Warning of wildfire risk in parts of England

The wildfire risk has been raised to red this weekend in London and South West England because of the hot and dry conditions.

Forestry England say the third heat wave has created "extremely high-risk conditions".

The government body which looks after the nation's forests say hot, dry conditions make it easy for fires to ignite and get out of control.

The London Fire Brigade is also asking people not to use disposable barbecues in this weather.

Every year countries around the world are affected by wildfires.

A wildfire is an uncontrolled outdoor fire that burns things like grass, woodland and other vegetation.

Most fires in the UK are caused by human activity.

This includes unattended fires such as bonfires, controlled burning - for example to manage land - which gets out of control and deliberate fire starting.

Fires are worse in summer because the dry conditions mean the fires can spread quickly through dry grassland and woodland.

Climate change, which means longer and drier summers, is likely to mean an increase of wildfires in the UK and across the world.

Forestry England area manager Katy Mansell says forest fires "put lives at risk, destroy habitats, kill wildlife and put our emergency services in harm's way".

She told the BBC: "While hot, sunny weather feels like the perfect time to get together with friends and family in nature, I can't overstate the danger of lighting barbecues and fires in the countryside."

Tom Goodall from the London Fire Brigade also advises people to take rubbish home with them and to be careful when setting up a barbecue at home making "sure it is on level ground and away from decking, fences, trees and balconies."