FIRE crews are dealing with up to 150 grass blazes per day across West Yorkshire as the county's summer heatwave continues.

Two fire crews from Halifax were called to a blaze at Heath Moor Park, Illingworth, Halifax, where moorland was smouldering at 3pm yesterday.

It took them two hours to damp the area down.

Stephen Hardy, press officer for West Yorkshire Fire Service, said: "During July and August there are between 120 and 150 grass fires in the county every day.

"That's certainly a lot but it isn't as bad as the long hot summers we had four or five years ago where we faced 200 grass fires per day.

"The most we have tackled in recent weeks was 150 on Monday 17 July.

"Fighting a grass fire is time consuming because the moorland areas are often difficult to get to.

"These fires can soak up resources because fire fighters are committed to it. For example, peat areas can smoulder for days."

Mr Hardy also said the fires are usually caused by discarded cigarettes, mat-ches or drinks bottles.

"We would appeal for people to be careful when walking in woods or moorland. A bottle thrown away can easily act as a magnifying glass and ignite a fire as much as a cigarette or match."