Fire service urges people not have barbecues after large wildfires across Leicestershire

"I’d also ask people to be really careful when disposing of cigarettes."

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is concerned about fires breaking out in parched areas as they have dealt with a number of large wildfires in recent days.

As a result, people are being urged not to have barbecues to reduce the risk of fires igniting in dry conditions.

Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Callum Faint said: “Heat like this can really push us to the limit. 

“The ground is bone dry and we are not expecting any significant rainfall to improve the situation any time soon.

“It takes very little for big fires to spread out of control and we have to mobilise considerable resources to tackle them and keep people and property safe, so we are urging people to be really careful."

The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning and said there will be a threat to the health of vulnerable people.

Health experts and the emergency services in Leicestershire are concerned about another prolonged heatwave affecting the county this week.

Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Callum Faint said: “I know it’s tempting to take advantage of the great weather by firing up the barbecue, but we’d ask people not to do so at this time.

“I’d also ask people to be really careful when disposing of cigarettes. Ensure you put out cigarettes fully and never dispose of them on the ground.”