FIREFIGHTERS in Cumbria are warning people not to leave discarded cigarettes or litter, such as glass bottles, in the sunlight following a spate of grass fires.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service have attended three grass and gorse fires in the last few days, and the warning is being issued following the recent spell of warm and sunny weather.
On Wednesday, more than 40 specially-trained firefighters and mountain rescuers spent five hours tackling a wildfire covering 10,000 square metres near Watendlath in the Lake District.
Crews from Ambleside, Windermere and Millom joined firefighters from Appleby and Keswick when they put out the blaze from 2.20pm to 7.30pm.
A police helicopter from Newcastle was also scrambled to provide aerial assistance in the operation.
Grass fires have also taken place at The Strand and the reed bed of Cavendish Dock in Barrow within the last week.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here