A woodland fire in Benenden has prompted an from appeal Kent Fire and Rescue Service which urges the public to be careful when throwing away cigarette butts.

It is believed that a discarded cigarette end started the blaze in Hemsted Forest, sandwiched between Goddards Green Road, Cranbrook Road and Golford Road, on Monday morning.

A dog walker discovered the fire at approximately 7.00am and fire-fighters spent over five hours extinguishing the flames, which spread through approximately one acre of woodland.

It is believed that dried tree debris and pine needles on the ground accidently caught alight from a discarded cigarette.

Colin Gambrell, watch manager at Cranbrook Fire Station, said: “The recent period of hot, dry weather means that fires of this type can spread very rapidly due to tinder-dry conditions and a dropped cigarette end can lead to a deep seated fire that can take a long time to fully extinguish.

“Such blazes put an enormous drain on our fire-fighting resources, as well as causing damage to the local environment and a threat to wildlife in the area.

“We are asking the public to help prevent further fires by ensuring they dispose of cigarettes in a responsible manner.

“Also, as countryside fires can be a challenge to locate, it would be really helpful if anyone who spots and reports a fire can give as much information about where it is, and where possible arrange to meet oncoming crews to direct them to the incident.”