FIREFIGHTERS tackled more wildfires in the county this summer than they have in the past five years.

A freedom of information request revealed that the number fires that have torn through Oxfordshire's grassland, woodland and crops has more than tripled in the past couple of years.

The figures showed five years ago during May, June and July Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service tackled 13 fires in 2014.

This rose to 14 in 2015 before taking a dip to six wildfires in 2016.

The figures then shot back up to 13 wildfires in 2017 and this year the highest in the past five years clocked 20 wildfires.

It comes after an incredibly dry summer which brought firefighters to their knees as they tackled scores of field fires which spread rapidly in the heat.

One of the biggest fires to take hold in recent months included one which destroyed an area the size of 25 football pitches in South Oxfordshire.

Firefighters spent hours tackling the blaze which was believed to be caused by a 'combine harvester exploding' off the A4155 in Shiplake.

It was one example of many open fires which Oxfordshire County Council warned about as the hot, dry weather caused many blazes to spread quickly.

People were urged to be careful discarding cigarettes from windows and using barbecues.