FIRE chiefs have urged the public not to light camp fires after being called out to two incidents in the same woodlands within three days.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to a fire at Dukes Hagg Woods, in Prudhoe, just before 7.30pm on Sunday, May 24, and again on Wednesday, May 27 just before 3.30pm.

A spokeswoman for the service said: “Not only are these kind of fires a waste of our time, in these warm dry conditions there is a very real risk that it can quickly spread out of control and become a threat to life, environment and property.”

The incidents also prompted the local county councillor, Gordon Stewart, to issue a warning to residents.

He said: “There have been several fires discovered in woods within the Prudhoe area over the last week.

“The fire service have been called to extinguish some of these.

“I would like to ask the public to be extremely careful to ensure that they do not cause any fires and to report any suspicious activities to the police or fire service.”

Anyone with information about the fires is asked to contact 0800 169 558.