THE fire service are urging the public to think about taking a picnic instead of a barbecue when heading out to enjoy the countryside amid the dry weather.

‘It is going to be another week of high temperatures and dry weather in the South West’, says a spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

‘If you are heading out to enjoy our wonderful countryside, please think about taking a picnic instead of a BBQ, and make sure you don’t leave litter behind’, the spokesperson added.

When the ground is dry, fires can start quickly and get out of control easily.

The service’s warning comes as the country braces for a fourth heatwave of the year.

From today Tuesday, August 12, amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued for all of England.

Temperatures are expected to hit as high as 34 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country, though the South West will be relatively cooler, with temperatures expected to peak at around 27 degrees.