North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging farmers and landowners to avoid setting fires.

They are asking anyone who needs to light one to call them first.

The Heather and Grass Burning Code states burning is allowed only between 1 October and 31 March in upland areas and 1 November and 15 March elsewhere.

Many farmers take the opportunity to undertake controlled burning of heather, grass bracken and gorse on their land and should not continue this the practice beyond the burning season.

Stuart Millington, senior fire safety manager, says: "Every year we are called to countless false alarms and controlled burns which have spread.

"We are urging all landowners undertaking controlled burning to notify us by calling our control room on 01931 522 006. This will help avoid false alarms and crews being sent out unnecessarily as well as ensuring we are ready to respond in the event of a burn getting out of control.

"When the weather is dry it is easy for fires to spread. These fires are often in areas where access is extremely difficult and water supply is limited - should the fire get out of control, this can place tremendous pressure on resources, with firefighters tied up for a considerable length of time trying to bring them under control. These fires can put homes, livestock and the lives of crews and residents at risk as firefighters are kept from attending genuine emergencies.”