AN experienced firefighter has warned residents “the risk of fire remains high” despite the hotter temperatures starting to subside.

Jason Gould, station manager at Dovercourt Fire Station, has urged the public to continue following fire safe advice regardless of weather conditions.

It comes after crews were called into action on following multiple infernos in the Tendring area, caused by campfires, barbecues and the already-sizzling conditions.

Over the last week, for examples, firefighters were called to a grass fire on Harwich seafront and a blaze next to the Fryatt Hospital.

Mr Gould said: “Over the last few weeks we have seen a significant increase in the number of calls we’ve had to attend due to the hot weather.

“Crews across Essex and local crews at Dovercourt Fire Station have been working extremely hard to keep our community safe.

“Where the weather has now cooled, the risk of fire remains high because the grass a vegetation is so dry.

“Even a small fire can quickly spread to become a significant incident, so I am asking our community to follow the simple safety guidance.

“Please avoid having campfires or bonfires and barbecues, and if you are a smoker, please make sure you extinguish your cigarette responsibly.”

To find out more information about fire safety visit essex-fire.gov.uk.