We must all help to tackle a danger on our doorstep

Sadly, they are another by-product of the changing climate.

Hotter and drier summers create the perfect conditions for wildfires in our stunning countryside.

This year alone we’ve seen the number of blazes increase rapidly, bringing with them a risk to life and livelihoods.

Previously, most of us thought such dangers were confined to the sunshine states of America or baking hot European countries such as Greece or Turkey.

But no, they are clear and present danger here at home.

The danger comes on two fronts – first from the fires themselves as they rip through tinderbox-dry heather, bracken and trees.

And then from the loss of habitat as is revealed by our article on pages 10 and 11.

These sensitive landscapes are home to a varied range of species, for some of which survival is already an everyday challenge.

Wildfires are unforgiving, laying waste to these areas and the rare animals, such as snakes, birds and lizards, who live there.

No human may have been injured as yet but the price paid by the natural world is high.

It is important then that we, as a country, are prepared to tackle this relatively new phenomenon.

Fire services and land owners all need adequate information, training and resources to ensure all that can be done is being done to minimise the risks involved.

And then there is, of course, the wider public who also have to take care when they are enjoying the countryside.

A small shard of glass, a simple barbecue or a cigarette could all be the spark that ignites a catastrophic blaze.