PEOPLE in Dumbarton and the Vale are being urged to take care if out camping in the area during the warm summer weather.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) says reports of grassland, woodland and crop fires in West Dunbartonshire at the height of summer 2020 were almost double the number for the same period in 2019.

According to the SFRS there were 22 such incidents in the area between June 22 and August 24, 2020, compared to 13 in the summer of 2019.

A nationwide increase of nine percent was recorded, with incidents going up across Argyll & Bute, East and West Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, Midlothian and Scottish Borders, Edinburgh City, Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife, as well as Aberdeen City.

Between June 22 and August 24, 2020, 712 fires affecting grassland, woodland and crops were recorded across Scotland - compared to 656 for the same period the year before.

The statistics were released as the service pleads with members of the public to take care while camping in the great outdoors - especially following the recent spell of dry and warm weather.

Last week it was announced disposable barbecues have been banned from sale in Co-op stores near national parks to support bans and prevent fires.

The food retailer said they were withdrawing the packs from sale from all stores in or within one-mile of all UK national parks.

This move included the Co-op stored in located in Mitchell Way, Alexandria and Carrochan Road in Balloch as both stores are located near Loch Lomond and the Trossach's national park.

READ MORE: Balloch and Alexandria Co-op stores ban sale of disposable barbecues

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry, the head of prevention and protection at the SFRS, said: “We want people to enjoy spending time outdoors, but it’s important to create a safe environment for you, your loved ones and the surrounding environment because even small fires have the potential to turn into a wildfire.

“Before lighting any outdoor fires, check for any restrictions or permissions required by the landowner and make sure you use a fire safe pit or container that can be properly extinguished before you leave.

“The vast majority of us wish to keep our country beautiful, but litter can seriously injure wildlife and items such as glass bottles in strong sunlight have the potential to start a fire.

“Remember to keep your area tidy and always clear up when done.”

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There are also other dangers associated with camping as DACO Perry continued: “Be aware that fire destroys tents very quickly, so use torches instead of candles.

“Never take a portable or disposable barbecue inside a tent to cook or to use as a heat source because carbon monoxide is also a potential risk.

“And gas barbecues should also be used in a well-ventilated area.”

Summer also brings with it the temptation to swim outdoors, but lochs, rivers and reservoirs also pose a risk to those enjoying nature.

Cold water shock can leave people gasping for breath and it’s potentially fatal. Therefore, the advice is to avoid unsupervised waterways.

More safer summer advice can be found online at firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/safer-summer.aspx