SUFFOLK Fire and Rescue Service is warning young people about the fire risks of building hides and dens in the countryside during the Summer.In the first two weeks of June the Fire and Rescue Service attended 37 heathland and undergrowth fires in the county.

SUFFOLK Fire and Rescue Service is warning young people about the fire risks of building hides and dens in the countryside during the Summer.

In the first two weeks of June the Fire and Rescue Service attended 37 heathland and undergrowth fires in the county.

They also found children's hides and dens which have been constructed in such a way that anyone inside would have little chance of escaping if the fire had reached them.

One recent incident involved a fire that stopped short of a den that up to 12 young people had been using.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service divisional officer Kevin Burton said: "Fires in undergrowth, grassland or heathland can result in rapidly growing fires that can affect people or property. We ask people to please take care when around these areas and to keep safe."

Peter Monk, Suffolk County Council's portfolio holder for public protection, said: "Every year the fire service attends many fires affecting dry undergrowth and as previous years we are urging people to be vigilant when near grassland or heathland areas. It is more worrying that young people's lives are being put at risk by these fires.

"We are urging people to think before disposing of cigarettes, matches or other hot items that could cause dry undergrowth to catch fire. Even off-road parking of cars fitted with a catalytic converter have caused fires when dry undergrowth has been set alight by the hot exhaust."

The warning comes as part of Suffolk County Council's Safer Summer campaign which aims to encourage young people to stay safe during the Summer Holidays.