The number of fires in York and North Yorkshire in the last two months has more than doubled year-on-year, prompting warnings following recent heatwaves.

There were 567 fires from the start of July to Monday, August 17, compared with 256 during the same period last year, according to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Wildfires alone accounted for 32 fires from the beginning of this July, with the highest number of call-outs in Acomb, Malton and Scarborough.

A service spokesperson said more call-outs had placed additional demand on them, affecting firefighters and other areas of work including road risk, community safety and training.

They added that people should avoid using naked flames to light fires and disposable barbecues while out and about during dry periods.

It follows a national temporary ban on selling disposable barbecues and a severe alert warning of the danger of wildfires sent out by the Government last Friday (August 14).

Extended periods of hot and dry weather have seen wildfires break out across the UK. They included one in Stourbridge in the West Midlands where 19 homes were burnt down following a blaze on August 13.

The Met Office has said forecasts suggest temperatures could be above average in some parts of the country in early September.

York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith said he had called on shops to stop selling disposable barbecues for weeks before the Government banned sales. The Labour mayor added that the move was sensible and would help avoid a repeat of fires which ravaged parts of the North Yorkshire Moors last summer.

Mr Skaith also said he would continue to push for the region's shops to stop selling disposable barbecues permanently.

In York, Acomb was struck by a spate of deliberate fires in July, and Malton and Scarborough saw four wildfires each, with three each recorded in Stokesley, Selby and Tadcaster and two in Filey.

Those figures cover station areas which saw more than one call-out for wildfires.

The fire service has called on people going outdoors this summer to leave disposable barbecues at home and avoid lighting campfires in the countryside.

People have also been urged to take litter and especially glass bottles home, dispose of cigarettes and matches safely and park sensibly to keep routes clear for emergency vehicles.

Matches, lighters and flammable material should also be kept out of reach of children, who should be told about the dangers of fires, the service has said.

The service's spokesperson said:

People can report concerns about deliberate fire-setting, arson and other issues to FireStoppers anonymously by calling 0800 169 5558 or visiting: firestoppersreport.co.uk.