AS temperatures soared across West Somerset again this week, Somerset Fire and Rescue Service warned of a dramatic rise in accidental heath fires.

And they published a seven-point fire safety plan to help people avoid needless and costly outbreaks.

Chris Snook, the service's community safety officer, said: "Fire-fighters have been called to incidents all over the area in the last few days, with North Hill, Minehead particularly vulnerable.

"These fires have been encouraged by the hot temperatures, very dry heath land and the careless disposal of smoking materials.

"The fires jeopardize the lives of people and wildlife and damage the land and near-by buildings.

"We want people to enjoy the countryside, but would like to remind the public to be extra vigilant when outside.

"Holidaymakers should park in designated areas, and picnics must take place in designated areas where litter receptacles are in place for bottles and other rubbish. "Smoking materials such as barbeques and cigarettes must be properly extinguished with water, to make sure they are completely out."

The brigade has offered the following advice: Never carelessly throw away cigarette ends or matches; Only light fires or barbeques in areas where they are permitted; Remember that you are not permitted to light fires within the boundary of the National Parks e.g. Dartmoor or Exmoor; Never leave bottles or broken glass on the moor; Only park your car in designated car parking areas; There should be no unlicensed burning of moorland; Never build a fire where the soil is peat, on dry grassy areas or in a forest or wood.