Swaling is used by farmers to control overgrowth in open areas

In Cornwall, crews were called to a series of gorse fires on Bodmin Moor and in the Penzance area.

It is thought some of the fires were started deliberately and one person has been arrested on suspicion of arson.

In Devon, firefighters had what they described as "one of the busiest days of the year" after incidents of swaling, the burning of undergrowth, got out of control.

Land management

The worst fire in Devon was at Bursdon Moor at Hartland, which was reported at around 1745 BST.

About 50 firefighters tackled the blaze, which covered 50 acres of heathland.

There were also call-outs to around a dozen fires on Dartmoor.

The fires are being put down to swaling, a traditional land management technique, before the weather turns and stops it form being usable.

Firefighters say controlled burning can often get fanned by strong winds.

Reporting trespassers

In Cornwall, several small gorse fires were tackled on Bodmin Moor, while a larger fire was dealt with at Newbridge in Penzance.

Five fire crews spent the evening bringing the flames at Newbridge under control.

There have now been more than 40 gorse fires in Cornwall in the last few weeks.

It is thought some of the fires were started on purpose and one person has already been arrested by police in connection with an incident.

Fire brigades are asking farmers and landowners to report anyone seen on their land to the police.

Pc Gareth Twigg from the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Arson Task Force said they are gathering information from as many sources as possible.

He said: "We are very much reliant on information from the public, and we're getting some very good information coming in a the moment.

"This includes vehicles being seen in areas of fire and people seen acting suspiciously.