FIRE chiefs are urging people to be careful while enjoying the sun-kissed English countryside after a barbecue caused a large grass fire at Highgate Common.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service sent firefighters from Wombourne, Cannock, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Penkridge and Kinver along with the water carrier and Unimog from Cannock to tackle the blaze which was spotted at the Enville beauty spot at 2.40pm yesterday (Sunday August 5).

The flames quickly spread and affected an area measuring around 100 metres by 50 metres and fire crews remained at the scene until 9.40pm - returning again this morning (Monday) to extinguish remaining hotspots.

It is believed the fire was started deliberately - as a disposable barbecue was found in the middle of the affected area.

Speaking out after the incident - station manager Gary Fox has urged people not to use disposable barbecues in areas of high risk such as the common and other beauty spots and wooded areas.

He said: “We’d urge people to take extra care when out enjoying the countryside during these dry hot conditions.

“There is so much dry vegetation; barbecues can quickly and easily spread and cause devastation to the local wildlife."

He instead advised countryside fans to take a picnic and be sure to leave with all their rubbish - particularly reflective items such as glass bottles which can start fires when combined with the intense sunlight.

He added: “We’d also encourage people not to smoke in these areas, or dispose of cigarette ends out of car windows. It can take just one small ember to start a huge crop or grass fire.”