FARMERS are being urged to follow advice to reduce the risk of grain dryer fires at this time of year.

Grain dryer fires are common in late summer, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service says.

The fires can be very resource intensive for fire crews, due to the complexity of accessing the machinery.

A spokesman said: "If you are working hard on your harvest, please take some time to read our advice, which could help to avoid the risk of a fire."

Among the advice issued to farmers is: Get the drying equipment serviced on a regular basis by a competent engineer.

Check thermostats, temperature settings and automatic shut-off devices, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The above tips and more can be found on the brigade's website  at www.dwfire.org.uk/business-fire-safety/fire-risks-on-farms/grain-dryers//