FIREFIGHTERS tackled a series of grass and tree fires, as Swindon basked in the sun.

Crews from across the town fought four fires in gardens and parks last night.

The busy day began when Drove Road firefighters were sent to Royston Road, Park South, to an out-of-control bonfire.

In Taw Hill, a crew from Stratton fire station used buckets of water to extinguish a small area of grass alight near The Tawny Owl pub. They were called at 7.10pm.

Firefighters were sent to Pinehurst Road at 8.30pm following reports of a tree fire. The Drove Road crew used a hose jet to put out the burning branches.

Later that evening, five metres of hedgerow was destroyed by a fire that started in a compost heap on Ham Road, Wanborough. The fire was extinguished by a Drove Road crew using a hose jet and drags.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue’s control room issued a bonfire plea last night. It came after two Stratton crews were sent to smoke seen from the A420. When they arrived at the home, firefighters found a controlled burn. Fire control tweeted: “If you are having a controlled burn please let us know by calling 0306 799 0019 to save a fire engine from turning up at your house.”