A warning has been issued not to light barbecues at Birmingham parks after several caused fires that had to be extinguished.
The ranger service covering Lickey Hills issued the reminder after putting out flames in hot conditions at the start of the Easter break.
Barbecues are banned by Birmingham City Council on safety grounds , with the country park in particular needing protection for its diverse habitats and wildlife.
Last summer, the rangers, who are based in the park, thanked the fire service for its prompt action in narrowly averting widespread devastation by extinguishing a woodland fire that left scorched earth and blackened trees.
The service followed the incident up with an appeal on its Facebook page for visitors not to light fires and barbecues.
A month earlier, the rangers put 50 gallons of water onto what started as a small camp fire that had been left on the hills.
West Midlands Fire Service has warned that fire destroys thousands of acres of countryside, open space and wildlife habitat nationally every year, with most having been started deliberately.
Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Control was also hard-pressed last summer as it dealt with one of its busiest days on record that registered more than 400 calls.
The surge led to people heading for the great outdoors being reminded to take picnics and not barbecues.
This year, fires breaking out due to unauthorised barbecues have again threatened beauty spots in the Midlands - months before the hottest days of the year.
As the Easter hot spell continued today, the ranger service for Northfield Constituency said it had put out "several fires" caused by park users at Lickey Hills.
The service said: "Remember folks, BBQs are NOT permitted at Lickey Hills Country Park or any other of the parks in Birmingham."
One of Birmingham's most varied and treasured parks, Lickey Hills covers 524 acres and is located 10 miles south west of he city.
Visitors include wildlife spotters, people playing sport and children on schooltrips.
Lickey Hills has a complex and interesting geology which has created a variety of habitats.
These include woodlands, heathland and grassland, which are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife.
Lickey Hills has a Green Flag Award and is designated as a Country Park.
Advice from West Midlands Fire Service states: "Only use barbecues in a suitable and safe area, and never leave them unattended.
"if you see a fire in the countryside, report it to the fire service immediately via 999."
