Josh Mclaughlin

Residents in Surrey and East Sussex are being urged not to call 999 simply to report neighbours using barbecues, bonfires or campfires, unless there is an emergency or significant smoke. Fire services have faced an unprecedented rise in wildfire and vegetation-fire incidents during unusually dry conditions, warning that small garden fires can spread rapidly. Bluebell Railway has suspended steam services until September because sparks could ignite dry lineside vegetation, while Kent & East Sussex Railway has also cancelled steam trains. The cancellations are expected to cause Bluebell Railway about £250,000 in lost school-holiday revenue.