Firefighters are warning the public after arsonists torched acres of scrubland in the Herne Bay area in a spate of separate attacks.

Crews were called to three incidents close to the Thanet Way over a seven hour period on Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency services got calls just before 1pm to report a two acre area of grassland which was ablaze. Crews used a hosereel jet and beaters to extinguish the fire.

Around four hours later crews were called back to a spot nearby to find around three acres of grassland on fire.

A number of hot spots suggested the fires had been started deliberately.

Firefighters were then called again at 7.30pm to a fire involving a small area of grassland and a tree that, again, had been deliberately set alight.

Video: Fire crews warn of the danger of grass fires

Herne Bay Watch Manager Tim Green said: "If you spot a fire while you’re outdoors, please call the fire service on 999 as early as possible.

"An early call could mean the difference between a small, easily controllable fire and a widespread, devastating fire."

He added: "It can be hard to give the location for an outdoor fire, so please mention any landmarks that you can see such as pubs or churches in the area."

Every year Kent Fire and Rescue Service is called to fires that destroy thousands of acres of countryside and wildlife habitats.

Dry weather makes conditions extremely dangerous.

Grass and crop fires can travel very quickly and change direction without warning. They can get out of hand fast and lead to extensive damage as well as putting lives at risk, says KFRS.