Firefighters have attended to 51 fires on Dartford Heath since the start of July this year.

It is believed that 12 of the fires were started deliberately.

The Heath has seen some huge grassland fires over the past few weeks.

One fire occurred on July 19 next to the A2 – where the brigade sent 12 fire engines to the scene as temperatures had risen to 39 degrees.

Fire crews tackled the blaze for more than 24 hours.

On August 13, Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at Dartford Heath with ten fire engines.

Ten hectares of land was destroyed in this blaze and crews remained on scene two days later to check for hot spots.

Three days ago, eight fire engines tackled a grass fire on Dartford Heath where firefighters remained on scene during the night, dampening down the area.

Can we swap this to the actual date please Kent firefighters have tackled more than 400 grass fires in total since the start of July, which is nine times the amount attended in the same period last year.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has asked members of the public to help reduce the risk of a grass fire by following safety advice:

• Avoid having bonfires at this time

• Disposing of smoking materials responsibly, making sure they’re fully stubbed out and cold before being binned - consider using a portable ashtray when on the go

• Keep barbecues on a flat, non-flammable surface, away from property and greenery • Remember – if you see a grass fire move to a safe place and call 999

A KFRS spokesperson said: “Between 1 July 2022 and 22 August 2022, crews have attended 51 fires at Dartford Heath.

“It’s believed 12 of these incidents were started deliberately.”

Kent Police has been contacted for comment.

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