Walkers urged to be vigilant over fire risks after Grinshill Wood blaze
Fire chiefs are warning walkers and people enjoying the sunshine to be careful to help avoid a repeat of the huge woodland fire in Grinshill.
The blaze engulfed 200 metres of woodland at Grinshill Wood, near Wem, and spread until it was just yards from nearby homes.
And with the warm weather set to continue bosses at Shropshire Fire and Rescue have put out a plea for people to take care and remain vigilant.
Steve Purslow, a fire investigator for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "I would like to encourage people to be very vigilant out in the countryside, with the weather as it is, we are expecting another warm weekend.
"If people are out they need to avoid making flames and having barbecues in places that could ignite. Smokers should not discard cigarettes."
And Guy Williams, from the safety in the community and risk reduction team, said: "The recent fire at Grinshill provides an example of just how severe such fires can become in a short space of time.
"The pictures taken at the scene were shocking and looked more like an Australian or Californian fire than an incident in Shropshire."
The fire service has issued some top tips to reduce the chance of starting a wildfire.
Fire crews also said don't barbecue, smoke or use any naked flames near areas of gorse or heathland and avoid disposing of garden rubbish by bonfire.
