THE fire service has issued a warning to the public to take extra care in the hot weather after a spate of blazes in the countryside.

The warning comes as Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were yesterday still on the scene of a hay barn fire at Abbey Farm, North Weston in Thame which started on Monday.

Station Manager Marcus Reay said: “Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have been busy over the past week with countryside fires including other barn fires, a combine harvester and a field fire.

“The sunny weather over the past few weeks has made the grass and edges of fields very dry so I would ask the public and those who work on farms or in the countryside to take extra care.

“Of course, if you see a fire in the countryside, report it to the Fire and Rescue Service immediately by calling 999.

“More information is available on our 365alive website.”

A combine harvester caught fire on Tuesday night in Chain Hill, Wantage.

Our top stories: