Show summer savvy and safeguard our spectacular countryside from fire, says West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

Roger Wood , Community Safety Officer, said: "Every year, fire destroys thousands of acres of countryside. Some are started deliberately – but most are due to carelessness.

"You can protect the sensational scenery of West Sussex by:

• Extinguishing cigarettes and other smoking materials properly.
• Never throwing cigarette ends out of car windows.
• Only using barbecues in suitable and safe areas and never leaving them unattended.
• Keeping young children and ball games away from barbecues.
• Ensuring your barbecue is properly out and cold before disposing of the contents.
• Avoiding open fires in the countryside.
• Not leaving bottles or glass in woodlands – sunlight shining through glass can start large fires. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.

"A fire in the open can easily get out of control.

"Check first with the landowner if fires and barbecues are permitted and only have them in a safe designated area.

"Keep children away from matches and open fires.

"And if you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately. Don't attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with a bucket of water. Leave the area as soon as possible."

Lionel Barnard , County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: "The countryside of West Sussex is one of our most valuable – and treasured – assets. So, I am sure everyone will be keen to follow this advice from our fire safety experts."