WILTSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service are reminding the public to stay safe while enjoying the hot weather that the country is currently basking in.

The Fire Service recently has had to deal with numerous large grass fires often caused by carelessness.

They ask people to be extremely vigilant in discarding smoking materials and the use of barbecues. Strong sunlight on discarded glass bottles can also start fires as well as vanity mirrors at home. With these curved glass objects the sunlight becomes concentrated and will ignite flammable items.

There is also the temptation to take a cooling dip in open water. Any lake or waterway can hold hidden dangers, such as uneven depths, sudden decreases in temperature, unseen objects and unseen currents.

They are appealing to parents particularly with the school holidays coming up to make sure they know where their children are and to keep them from going into lakes, reservoirs and rivers.