Residents in Nottinghamshire are being urged to exercise greater caution following a series of open-air fires, as dry conditions and rising temperatures increase the risk of wildfires across the county.

A recent forest fire at Sherwood Pines earlier this week has added to growing concern, coming after multiple outdoor blazes in the Mansfield area and a deliberate fire at Oak Tree Nature Reserve in 2022. Authorities say the pattern of incidents highlights an ongoing fire risk in local heathland and forested areas.

In response, a new educational initiative has been launched in local schools aimed at raising awareness about both accidental and deliberate fires and helping to protect vulnerable heathland areas. The Heathland Fire Prevention Education Project will run until March 2028.

Natasha Neale, community engagement and partnerships manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the programme is designed to influence public behaviour and reduce preventable incidents.

During a launch event, officials revealed evidence of recent fire damage at the same site, including one area burned approximately two months ago and another scorched within the past few days.

The warnings come amid a UK heatwave that has brought record June temperatures, creating extremely dry conditions across large parts of the country.

Fire officials have identified several common causes of outdoor fires, including disposable barbecues, discarded cigarettes, and sunlight magnified through glass bottles left in dry grass.

"We do see unfortunately across the county that disposable barbecues start a proportion of fires in the open," Neale said. "Discarded cigarettes, particularly in dry conditions, are also a major risk. Even glass bottles left in the sun can unintentionally start a wildfire."

Residents living near affected heathland areas say they are increasingly concerned about the threat of repeat fires.

Sarah Rowley, who lives near a site previously damaged by a deliberate fire in 2022, said the destruction had a lasting impact on both wildlife and the surrounding community.

"You do worry that one little spark and it's going to take everything," she said. "A small fire that people think is harmless can quickly become a major disaster, especially in this heat."

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has strengthened its response capabilities with the introduction of an off-road firefighting vehicle, added to its fleet in 2024.

Firefighter O'Brien Hesson said the vehicle allows crews to access remote areas more quickly and tackle deep-seated fires more effectively.

"It carries various firefighting equipment, including a misting lance that can reach the root of the fire," he said.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant during dry weather conditions.

"Think about the ecosystem, the damage to wildlife, and the impact on your neighbours," he said. (ILKHA)