SALTASH firefighters are urging residents to avoid bonfires and disposable barbecues after a fire in the town spread out of control at the weekend.

A national alert was sent to mobile phones on Friday evening warning of the increased fire risk from bonfires, disposable BBQs and the careless disposal of cigarettes.

Just hours later, on Saturday morning, a Saltash crew was mobilised to a bonfire which had spread out of control and required firefighters to extinguish it.

The incident has prompted a fresh warning as extremely dry conditions continue across the area.

Firefighters said they understood that the warm weather was encouraging people to enjoy their gardens and tackle outdoor jobs but urged residents to consider the current conditions before lighting any fire.

Wildfires are placing significant pressure on Fire and Rescue Service resources nationally, and firefighters warned that an avoidable fire can quickly become a serious incident.

They also warned that crews attending an unnecessary outdoor fire could be unavailable for another emergency.