VISITORS to the Malvern Hills are being urged to be on the lookout for fires during the hot dry spell.

The past week's high temperatures and low rainfall has dried out the scrub and grasslands on the hills and commons, greatly increasing the chances of wildfires starting and spreading quickly.

Beck Baker of the Malvern Hills Trust, formerly the Conservators, said, ‘We’re asking people to take a few precautions to reduce the chance of wildfires, for example, extinguishing cigarettes properly and never throwing cigarette ends on the ground or out of the car."

Barbecues are not permitted on the hills and commons due to the risk they pose. Disposable barbecues are particularly problematic as they can be windblown, and, if placed directly on the ground, cause damage to the important grassland vegetation underneath. The trust is also asking visitors not to release or light any Chinese or sky lanterns.

"Wildfires often don’t start by themselves, and the majority of wildfires are started by people either accidentally or deliberately. We’re asking people to remain vigilant and act responsibly in the warm, dry weather."

Fire on the hills and commons could put the public, grazing livestock and nearby homes at risk.

During the summer months, there is no planned burning, so if you do see a fire, call 999 immediately. Early detection can prevent a fire becoming much more dangerous, serious, and uncontrollable wildfire.