The Isle of Wight is at risk of fires becoming "exceptionally severe" as the week goes on.

The Met Office's Fire Severity Index (FSI) is currently at Level 4 "very high" but is forecast to be at Level 5 "exceptional" by Friday.

It could be open access rights are suspended on some pieces of land.

The Met Office's FSI is an assessment of how severe a fire could become if one were to start. It is not an assessment of the risk of wildfires occurring.

The FSI shows the current day's fire severity and a forecast of likely fire severity over the coming five days. 

The FSI provides a trigger for fire prevention restrictions on access land mapped under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000).

Fire prevention restrictions aim to minimise accidental fires on access land vulnerable to wildfires by suspending open access rights when conditions become exceptional (FSI level 5).

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service currently has the following advice:

“Barbecues, campfires and bonfires can very easily spread out of control and drier, warmer weather increases the risk of wildfires, so it really is vital that people take extra care when visiting our beauty spots and green spaces.

“Fires in the open can cause significant damage to our woods, heaths and countryside. We all want to be able to enjoy being outdoors and a few simple steps can reduce the risk of fire.

“Always discard of cigarettes properly, put litter and glass bottles in a bin or take your rubbish home, and please pack a picnic, not a disposable barbecue.”