FIREFIGHTERS in Worcestershire have been kept busy this afternoon attending blazes in the open in the Kidderminster area.

Crews from Kidderminster and Stourport were called out to a grass fire on Minster Road, Stourport, at 2.45pm.

Kidderminster firefighters, plus a crew from Bewdley, were also alerted to two embankment fires beside the Severn Valley Railway, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service tweeted at 5.11pm today (Friday).

The incidents have prompted fire chiefs to issue a warning to members of the public to take care during the current spell of hot, dry weather as a wild fires could destroy acres of countryside and wildlife habitats.

Station Commander Alan Haley said: “Fire crews have attended a number of incidents involving fires in the open, these included grass fires, undergrowth and bramble fires.

"We have been experiencing some dry, warm weather and it is only natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy it with family and friends but it is also important to stay fire aware when out and about.

"With the dry weather set to continue in to the weekend we are asking the public to be vigilant and by following these few simple steps we can all help to reduce the chance of a wildfire.”

Members of the public can do their bit to help by extinguishing cigarettes properly, not throwing cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows, taking rubbish home, especially glass bottles which can magnify the sun's rays and start a fire, and avoiding having open fires in the countryside.

People are also advised to contact the fire and rescue service immediately if they see a fire in the countryside.