Four fire engines and their crews were sent to tackle a grass fire in Dartford today.

The blaze broke out in Joyce Green Lane just after 2pm.

Crews took nearly two-and-a-half hours to bring the two acres under control.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Services said: "Crews arrived to find a large amount of shrubland alight that had spread to a pile of rubbish.

"Crews used a hose reel jet and flexi-packs (portable tanks of water with sprays) to battle the blaze.

"At its height the flames covered a stretch of land two acres wide."

The cause is not known but fire bosses have issued a warning after already 400 grass fires this year.

The biggest so far was last night at Lydd Ranges where 100 firefighters and 20 fire engines were needed to stop the flames spreading.

Leanne McMahon, group manager for community safety, said: “With extremely high temperatures predicted for this week, we would like to remind everyone to take extra precautions to keep safe and help us prevent further fires which can often occur during a heatwave."

She called on smokers to dispose of cigarettes safely, advised against starting camp fires and recommended that all litter, especially paper and glass, be taken home or put in bins.

She said: “If you discover a fire, move to a safe place and call the fire service on 999 immediately, providing as much detail as you can, including the size of fire, the exact location (including road or property name) and terrain.

"Never attempt to tackle the fire yourself as fires can be extremely unpredictable and spread incredibly fast in this heat.”