FIREFIGHTERS from across the county were called to tackle a wildfire believed to have been caused by a disposable barbecue.

Fire engines and specialist appliances from Chichester were sent to the incident near Bridge Road Roundabout in Littlehampton yesterday, July 28, at around 3.20pm.

Two acres of heathland were on fire, with smoke seen billowing from the blaze.

Firefighters used hose reels, backpack sprayers and an ultra-high pressure fogging unit to extinguish the blaze.

A spokeswoman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue said the fire was sparked by an accidental ignition, believed to have been caused by disposable barbecues.

She said: “Due to the prolonged period of dry weather we are currently experiencing, we would urge members of the public to avoid having barbecues in grassland areas.

READ MORE: Fire crews called to tackle blazes in Littlehampton and Seaford

“The Met Office’s Fire Severity Index shows that the risk of wildfires in West Sussex is very high this weekend.

“Therefore, it is extremely important that residents and those visiting the county take extra care to avoid accidentally starting a wildfire.”

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