The risk of starting a wildfire is raised after the warm, dry spell

A national park authority has warned visitors of the increased risk of wildfires as the weather warms up.

The dry, warmer period has increased the possibility of fires in the Dartmoor national park.

A Dartmoor National Park Authority spokesperson said: “Uncontrolled fires kill animals and birds and destroy natural habitats and plants which may take years to recover.”

Park bosses said outdoor fans should not light open fires.

The spokesperson added they should take extra care with cigarettes, matches and other flammable objects.

Visitors should also keep portable barbecues and camping stoves off the ground on a flat boulder or stones. This ensures that they do not burn the vegetation and create deep, eroded pits which are both expensive and time consuming to repair.