LARGE parts of Oxfordshire have been compared to a tinderbox with more rapidly growing field fires 'highly likely.'

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has revealed it has attended 160 calls connected to the dry weather in the last four weeks including field and agricultural fires and farm equipment bursting into flames.

It is urging the public to be on the look-out with all grass verges including railway embankments at risk and blazes able to start from next to nothing.

Mike Adcock, the emergency response manager for OFRS said: "We are seeing unprecedented weather for the UK and there are large areas of dry land and unharvested fields.

"Should there be a fire, it would be very difficult to control due to the weather conditions and the dryness of the land.

"This is the first time we have experienced such a continued period of dry weather for 20-30 years or more.

"If we had some rain, that would be a huge help."

Images captured by Titan Aerial Imagery show the extent of the now parched fields just beyond the city boundaries with fears a field fire in these areas could quickly spread to neighbouring buildings.

A number of sports grounds and cricket pitches are also struggling across the city as Oxford City Council ups its watering programme to refresh the parched land.

Major fires in rural parts of the county have only been stopped from spreading to people's homes and businesses by the quick action of firefighters and onlookers.

Mr Adcock warned fires could be started without human intervention but urged people to be careful when smoking or organising barbecues in order to minimise the risk.

He added: "Our crews are well trained to deal with these incidents, we have suitable vehicles on stand-by and are continuing to monitor our water supplies.

"Our staff have worked some long hours over the last few weeks and they have had to go out on call more than they would ordinarily.

"That is stretching us as we still have to maintain all the day to day work we usually complete."

With farmers increasingly concerned about the likelihood of fires damaging their livelihoods, insurers have warned that equipment is also at risk.

The senior agent for NFU Mutual in Witney, Harvey Merrins, said: “The dry weather makes it more important than ever for farmers and country people to maintain their buildings and equipment to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out.

"Having evacuation and fire-fighting plans prepared and shared with family members and staff is a must.”

“May and June’s good weather means that harvesting is already under way, weeks earlier than usual.

"NFU Mutual is urging farmers to reduce the risk of fire by making sure that fire extinguishers on combine harvesters are serviced before harvest starts, and to make sure regular maintenance and cleaning to remove chaff is carried out."

Alongside farmers' concerns a local wildlife trust also warned that the hot weather is having a negative impact on various species.

Mr Adcock stressed that people should call 999 as quickly as possible if they spot a developing fire on dry land.

The fire service has issued guidance for how to reduce the risk of field fires including keeping a good supply of water next to barbecues and bonfires and to never throw cigarettes out of vehicles.

For details of today's weather forecast click here.