Wildfire warning after field and house blazes

Firefighters in Horsham say two fires overnight have now been brought under control, after the service issued further warnings about wildfire risks.

A blaze in woodland near Denne Road saw West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service working for over six hours to extinguish it, while six engines also tackled a house fire in Red Admiral Street in the town, which broke out at around 21:41 BST on Friday.

A fire service spokesperson urged residents to "take extra care" over the risk of rapidly spreading blazes, after the woodlands fire was believed to have been started accidentally.

No casualties were reported in either incident, it added.

A spokesperson said: "The combination of soaring temperatures and prolonged dry weather significantly increases the risk of wildfires, which can spread rapidly and cause damage to homes, countryside, wildlife and local communities."

Crews returned to Denne Road on Saturday morning to check that there were no further signs of fire after it first broke out at about 18:00 on Friday evening, it added.

A number of wildfires have caused issues across the South East in recent weeks.

A lack of rainfall and warm weather has seen wildfires across the country spreading quickly, with warnings about further issues.

Residents are advised to let get rid of disposable barbecues and cigarettes safely, and to keep a bucket of water or sand nearby in case of an emergency.

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