FIRE crews in Petersfield are bracing themselves for a busy summer after a hectic week battling against grass and heathland fires and incidents in the town.
In the early hours of Wednesday, two Petersfield crews and a crew from Horndean were called to a flat in Sandringham Road which was on fire.
A total of 16 firefighters and one officer fought the blaze, which started in a cupboard in the first-floor home. The incident was under control within 45 minutes.
On Saturday morning a new car which had just been collected from the dealers caught fire in College Street and bought traffic in Petersfield's one-way system to a halt.
Firefighters wore breathing apparatus as smoke from the VW Golf's engine compartment quickly engulfed the road.
The fire was quickly put out but the car was severely damaged.
White Rose Volkswagen of Petersfield, which supplied the car, quickly had representatives on the scene and the car was taken back to its premises at Station Road.
Managing director Andrew Baker said: "We contacted VW headquarters and this car fire is now the subject a major investigation by the manufacturer.
"We have supplied our unfortunate customer with alternative transport and Volkswagen will be supplying him with a new car as soon as possible."
The fire service across the county has been stretched over the past week dealing with grass and heathland fires.
On Tuesday the Petersfield crew were called to cover at the Bordon fire station. But they were diverted to deal with a fire on the edge of Longmoor Ranges in Liphook Road. Police were forced to close the road as smoke blocked out the view.
Traffic officer Pc Mike Batten said: "I would imagine that the flames were about 30 to 40 feet high and they were being whipped by the wind."
Ken Hampson, sub-officer at Petersfield, is urging people to take more care when walking across heathland or through woodland..
He said: "I would like to ask people to be more careful when throwing away cigarette ends and leaving litter. These things can easily lead to grass and heathland fires.
"We have been very busy recently fighting fires in Petersfield and the rest of the district and covering for other crews. It has been difficult, but we have managed to make every call so far."
Local firefighters have also had to contend with a recent spate of arson attempts at Liss.
Last week The Herald reported that fires at East Hill House, Syke House, Liss Junior School, St Mary's Rectory and Hillbrow Road car park had caused concerns in the village.
Last Sunday there was a further alert when a roll of carpet was set on fire at St Mary's Church Hall in Liss, which had been left insecure.
Firefighters from Petersfield were called and managed to confine the damage to a small area.
Police are continuing their investigations into all the recent fires at Liss and would welcome any information which can be given to Pc Stuart Moore at Petersfield on 0845 0454545.