East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has called on residents to avoid holding barbecues and campfires as the threat of major wildfires continues to pose a serious risk.

The authority confirmed on April 22 that recent meteorological conditions combining gusty winds and parched terrain provide the conditions necessary for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly.

According to the service, the fire severity index, which indicates how intense a blaze could become should one start, currently registers at very high levels and is forecast to stay heightened throughout the next several days.

Members of the public have been asked to refrain from lighting bonfires, with the service cautioning these pose unnecessary risks to yourself, your property and your neighbours, as well as campfires and outdoor cooking activities in countryside locations.

A representative stated that anyone who spots a fire should move to safety and dial 999 without delay.

Farmers and other land managers in rural districts have likewise been urged to take action to reduce the likelihood of wildfires.

This includes conducting fire risk evaluations, confirming fire extinguishers are within reach, maintaining equipment and vehicles in clean working order, and ensuring a filled water tank or bowser is present during harvesting work.

They have also been advised to carry a functioning mobile phone and prepare a clear access route alongside an evacuation strategy.