BLAZES which blackened an estimated nine hectares of land on the Malvern Hills, could have been caused by walkers enjoying the fine spring weather.

Up to 50 firefighters were called in to tackle the three separate fires, which raged on land in and around Wyche Cutting, yesterday

Fire crews are still monitoring the hills this morning to make sure the flames are not rekindle.

Residents alert

More than 100 concerned residents rang emergency services to warn them about the two midday blazes on a hectare of land by Wyche Cutting, between the Wyche and the Beacon, and eight hectares of land next to Wyche Cutting.

After dousing the flames, teams were called out to the same area later in the afternoon to put out a third fire.

Although firefighters can only speculate on what caused the flames, they are urging people to be sensible if they take a stroll.

Two fire engines from Worcester, one from Droitwich, one from Upton-upon-Severn, and one form Malvern attended the fires.

Alec Mackie, spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade said: "We don't know how it started and probably never will, but we are asking people walking on the Malvern Hills to be careful of smoking and dropping litter."

The Salvation Army was on hand to provide food and refreshments for fire crews as they tackled the blazes.

The fires took place on the same day the Evening News printed a warning from fire chiefs to the public to take care after firefighters attended 24 grass fires across Worcestershire and Herefordshire over the weekend.