Mr Swallow, who is one of the National Fire Chiefs Council's tactical advisors on wildfire, said that vegetation was now essentially "fuel" and "ready to burn". He urged people to be vigilant and not to have any campfires or garden bonfires, which could quickly get out of hand.

STORY: Wildfires fanned by a heatwave and strong winds continued to rage across southern Europe on Wednesday, as houses, farms and factories were burned and thousands of residents and tourists were evacuated.