Firefighters were called to Gorrell Valley Nature Reserve near Whitstable after a field caught fire just after 3pm today.

The blaze spread rapidly within minutes through three acres of rough grassland between Southview Road and Benacre Wood, before being brought under control by crews who were praised for their quick response.

Head warden of the site, Ashley Clark, also Canterbury City Council’s cabinet member for open spaces and enforcement, said the grassland was an important habitat and reminded people to be vigilant during dry weather.

"Although the cause is not known at this stage this was no accident," he said. "Fires of this nature are the result of carelessness, reckless stupidity or deliberate criminality.

"The rough grassland is an important habitat for small mammals and reptiles and is maintained as such with limited cutting to maintain it.

"So far this year we have been incredibly lucky given the drought but we need to be lucky all the time. Vigilance remains essential while the dryness continues.

"This fire spread very rapidly in a few minutes and we are thankful to those alerted the fire brigade and to the Herne Bay crew who attended and dealt efficiently with the blaze."

Cllr Clark added: "Fires and barbecues are banned across the entire site under a Public Space Protection Order and this incident explains why this is so."