VISITORS to Meeth Quarry, Sourton Quarry and other wildlife reserves in the Okehampton area are being urged by a leading wildlife charity and emergency forces to take extra care to avoid causing wild fires.

The prolonged spell of hot weather has left parts of the countryside dry and vulnerable to wild fires. Devon Wildlife Trust has become concerned enough about the risk of wild fires affecting its nature reserves that it has now teamed up with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to promote a message about safe and responsible use of rural areas.

Steve Hussey from Devon Wildlife Trust said: 'Wild fires can be devastating for wildlife, as well as potentially dangerous for people and damaging to farmland. Heathlands, with their coverings of dry gorse and grass, are particularly vulnerable when the weather remains hot for several weeks. At present many heathlands are in 'tinder-box' condition.

'Fires can quickly spread and overwhelm sites, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. They are especially threatening to the region's precious heathlands and their wildlife. This is a habitat which has declined by more than 80% in the last 200 years. The few remaining heaths are key places for rare wildlife which includes Dartford warblers, common lizards and adders.'

Devon Wildlife Trust is asking people to take special care on all its 48 nature reserves, including Meeth Quarry, Sourton Quarry, Halwill Junction, and Ash Moor near Hatherleigh.

Paul Slaven of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: 'We want to remind people to be mindful of the impact and damage that wild fires have on the environment. These fires also a have a further impact, tying up valuable fire resources for some time.'

The fire service is advising people to be vigilant in rural areas and use common sense. Their advice includes extinguishing of cigarettes properly, not to leave bottles or glass in the countryside, avoid using open fires and barbecues in the countryside, and swiftly reporting fires you do see.