Fire crews are urging the public to take care on hot days after a grass fire the size of two football pitches swept through a Neasden park.

Five fire engines and 25 firefighters took just under two hours to control the blaze on Neasden Recreation Ground yesterday afternoon.

The fire affected around two hectares of grass – the size of around two football pitches.

Jerome Kumedzina, station manager, said: “There was quite a large area alight but crews worked hard to stop the fire from spreading further and used water backpacks and beaters to put out the fire.”

He added: “Grass can go up like a tinder box in dry conditions. The main causes of accidental grass fires are barbecues, cigarettes, discarded matches and glass bottles, which, when left on dry grass can concentrate the sun’s rays and cause fires.

“We’re particularly concerned about drivers who throw lit cigarettes out of car windows as dry grass verges can easily go up in flames so always make sure you dispose of cigarettes properly.”

The Brigade advises that if you see a grass fire, you shouldn’t attempt to put it out yourself as they can travel very quickly and change direction without warning. You should call 999 immediately and tell the Brigade where the fire is.

Crews from Park Royal, Wembley, Hendon and West Hampstead fire stations attended the incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation.