People are urged to be vigilant after two wildfires broke out in within hours.

The warning from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service comes after it sent specialist equipment to tackle two fires near Chichester this week.

The services asked the public to take steps to prevent blazes from taking hold in the South Downs National Park.

The Argus: Firefighters at the scene of a fire in Selhurstpark RoadFirefighters at the scene of a fire in Selhurstpark Road (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Multiple fire engines were called to a blaze in the woodland in Selhurstpark Road, near Chichester, on Wednesday.

The ground was left charred and covered with ash as firefighters used hoses to dampen down the flames.

The Argus: Firefighters damping down the blazeFirefighters damping down the blaze (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

A spokeswoman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were first called yesterday afternoon at 4.47pm to a fire in the open at Selhurstpark Road, Eartham.

"Joint Fire Control mobilised one fire engine from Chichester, one fire engine from Bognor, and an off-road vehicle from Petworth to the scene.

"Upon arrival crews found a fire smouldering in a woodland. Firefighters extinguished the fire using a high pressure hose reel, and used a thermal imaging camera to ensure there were no further hotspots."

The country road was closed while Land Rovers and water tanker vehicles responded.

The Argus: An offroad 4x4 at the sceneAn offroad 4x4 at the scene (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

The following morning, crews were sent to another woodland blaze. One fire engine from Chichester was sent to the scene and the crew found three small fires.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has asked people to take extra care in the hot weather as temperatures rise to the mid-20s this afternoon and into the weekend.

The spokeswoman added: "Please avoid lighting fires in the countryside, ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and always put your litter in a bin or take it home with you."