Unused as we are to fine weather

for several weeks there was rain, rain and yet more rain. This has been replaced by unforgiving, relentless sunshine.

Looking at the Cornwallive website, there have been numerous reports of fires. Although the charitable might opine that the fires had natural causes; it is becoming more apparent that some are the result of carelessness whilst others are apparently arson. Carn Marth, Redruth has according to police been set alight deliberately.

Crews from Tolvaddon, Falmouth and Perranporth all tackled the blaze with hose reels and beaters, and had it fully extinguished by 3.30 a.m. on Sunday, and passed the incident to Devon and Cornwall Police to investigate.

Cheap, portable throwaway barbecues have been the culprit on several occasions. Divers people failing to ensure they have been dowsed, and improper disposal have led to more fires.

In Lancashire, high up on the Pennines large areas of moorland have been set ablaze. To say we are in the 21st century...the outbreak is being dealt with using 'beaters' hardly a 21st century solution. In particular Saddleworth Moor has large areas where the fires have set alight layers of peat moorland making it almost impossible to control. Peat can remain smouldering for a long time.

Other areas that have caught fire include Bidston, Cheshire and Formby (Ainsdale) areas much frequented by tourists.