Large grass fire at Kinver Edge amid weather warning

The National Trust site warned visitors against barbecues, campfires and discarding cigarettes in light of the blaze.

Alerts were issued across the country due to the weather, which today saw the highest recorded temperature in the UK this year.

Firefighters tackled the fire which spread on the tinder-dry land outside Stourbridge on a area measuring 320ft by 160ft.

Staffordshire fire crews joined West Midlands colleagues at the site off Kingsford Lane at around 2.20pm today.

The blaze was scaled up as six crews arrived including specialist water carrying teams from Cannock fire station.

They joined crews from Wombourne, Stourbridge, Brierley Hill, Haden Cross and Dudley.

Firefighters used two hoses to try and douse the flames and beaters to stop the spread.

A spokesman for Kinver Edge said: "We don't know yet what caused it, but please can we urge people not to have BBQs, campfires, or to discard lit cigarettes - especially whilst the heath is so dry. Thank you."

Kinver Edge is known for its wildlife in particular its insects along with its gorse and purple heather.

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Service said they expected crews to remain on site into the evening.

Hereford and Worcestershire Fire Service had issued a warning saying its crews have attended a 'number of fires in the open' this week.

Station Commander Steve Andrews said: "We have been experiencing some dry, warm weather and it is only natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy it with family and friends but it is also important to stay fire aware when out and about, as every year fire destroys thousands of acres of countryside and wildlife habitats."

He continued "With the hot weather set to continue, we are asking the public to be vigilant."

The blaze came as fire crews in the north of England worked to bring a blaze under control which raged since Sunday.

A major incident has been declared, with around 40 homes evacuated on Tuesday as seven square miles of Saddleworth Moor has gone up in flames, blanketing the Greater Manchester region and beyond in smoke and ash.

Temperatures soared to a 2018 high of 32.6C (90.7F) which was recorded in Porthmadog in Wales this afternoon.