Grass fires have ignited a joint public vigilance plea from Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

A joint plea by the police and fire service is being made to the public to be vigilant after a spate of grass fires, believed to have been started deliberately.

Officers of Nottinghamshire Police are currently investigating a number of grass fires reported over the last few weeks as the country continues to deal with high summer temperatures and dry conditions.

Inspector Christine Busuttil, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are asking landowners and members of the public to be extra vigilant and urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to call us so we can act on the information given.

“During the unprecedented recent spell of hot weather, and with the current tinder dry ground conditions, even small fires in the open can very quickly spread and get out of control.

“Deliberately lighting fires is highly irresponsible and has potential to cause widespread damage and harm, as well as threatening homes and the people living in those areas."

Advice was also given on how to avoid accidentally starting fires, by urging people not to litter and to safely dispose of their rubbish. Items such as glass bottles, can easily magnify the sun and start grass fires.

“We have stepped up patrols in open spaces and we are working closely with key partners, including Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, to combat this issue and to detect and deter antisocial behaviour." Inspector Busuttil said.

"This will not be tolerated and we will take robust action against anyone involved in this sort of criminality.”

Area manager Damien West, of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Over the coming days with the extreme weather we expect to be busier dealing with incidents around the county. Deliberate fires needlessly tie up our crews and put people and properties at risk.

“We are working with our partners in Nottinghamshire Police to prevent deliberate fire setting and identify those responsible. Anyone with information about these incidents should contact Nottinghamshire Police.”

Nottingham City Council also recently took the extra step of imposing a ban on fires and barbecues in all parks in an attempt to prevent grass fires.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We support the call for extra care and vigilance during the current heatwave, when dry conditions increase the risk of fires starting and spreading.

“We have put a temporary ban on fires and barbecues in all our parks and on all allotment sites, including allotments managed directly by us but also all association-managed sites in the city.”