Berkshire firefighters responded to four fires in the open across a 20-minute period on the evening of Wednesday 10 May,.
This number of call-outs has prompted Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service to warn about the dangers of deliberately setting fires in the countryside.
At 8.53pm Thames Valley Fire Control Service (TVFCS) received a report of a fire in the open at Island Farm Road, Ufton Nervet. Crews from Wokingham Road and Windsor fire stations responded and extinguished the fire using one hose reel.
At 8.59pm reports were received of a small fire under a bench at Monksfield Way, Slough. One crew from Slough Fire Station responded and found a pushchair was alight. They were on the scene for around five minutes, extinguishing the fire.
Three minutes later, at 9.02pm, Thames Valley Police called TVFCS to report a fire in the woods close to High View, Calcot. One crew from Dee Road Fire Station responded and were at the scene for about 15 minutes.
Soon after, at 9.12pm, another call was taken reporting a fire in the open in Horton Road, Dachet, Slough. One crew from Langley Fire Station responded and were at the scene for under 10 minutes dealing with the fire.
Station Manager Pete Farmer, RBFRS’ Prevention Team Manager said: “Fortunately all of these fires were contained effectively by our crews – but it is worth reminding people that these fires can easily spread and pose real danger. There may also be unseen hazards nearby, such as aerosol cans, paint canisters and other chemicals.
“That is dangerous to our firefighters, but also everyone in the community – and it can be a drain on vital resources.
“If you see a fire in the countryside, however small, call 999 immediately. Please help support your fire and rescue service by reporting anyone acting irresponsibly or carelessly with fire in the countryside.”