WATCH: Firefighters tackle blaze on top of the Wrekin

The Wrekin was closed to visitors as fire crews tackled a large blaze on top of the landmark Shropshire hill.

Smoke rose high above the 1,335 ft peak on Friday afternoon after the fire started in soaring temperatures and gusting winds.

The blaze was under control within three hours but winds of up to 20mph that were regularly changing direction made fighting the flames challenging.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze was deep under the surface and warned people to stay away for the rest of the evening while the blaze was completely extinguished.

At least four fire crews were dealing with the fire which broke out at around 2.20pm.

Flames ripped through around 376 sq m of tinder-dry undergrowth as temperatures hit 23C (73F) in the area.

WATCH: Drone footage shows blaze

Shropshire Fire and Rescue head of operations and risk Shaun Baker said people were asked to leave to prevent anyone from being trapped.

"We have got a fire right at the top on the north side. Fire is in the undergrowth involving heather, fern and bracken and dry grass.

"We have got 20mph gusting winds which are pushing the fire along," Mr Baker said.

One of the fire crews was spotted driving onto the hillside to begin tackling the blaze as smoke swirled.

The fire service reminded people of the importance of not having barbecues on grassland and encouraged the public to make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished.

MP Mark Pritchard praised the swift response of firefighters to the blaze.

He tweeted: "Thank you to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and local police for responding so quickly to this incident and tackling this very serious fire."

A Telford Central crew also tackled a large garden blaze at premises in Linden Terrace, Overdale, Telford, after being called there shortly before 2.55pm.

In Shrewsbury crews fought a hedgerow blaze on land off Lyth Hill Road, in Bayston Hill at about 11.10am.

They also fought an unattended camp fire incident, in Painsbrook Lane, in Hadnall, Shrewsbury, at 11am.

Meanwhile ambulance crews joined firefighters at a house fire in Ludlow which started when flames spread from a nearby fence.

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