THE Glen Rural Fire Brigade secretary John Skinner issued a warning to landowners and drivers after two grass wildfires south of Warwick last week.

Rural firefighters are on edge after two grass fires threatened homes south of Warwick on Friday.

The first fire, reported at 11am, was near Thornton Rd on Warwick's outskirts.

It burnt more than 6ha and threatened several homes along Thornton Rd and William Craig Dr.

The second, on Pikedale Rd and reported at 2.20pm, burnt out about 4ha of grass country and if not brought under control, was on its way towards Glenvale Road.

Mr Skinner, who was called out to both fires, said carelessness was the biggest concern.

"We believe a rubbish fire spread into long grass at the first fire and the landowner was unable to control it on his own," he said.

"Three urban units and two rural fire trucks struggled to bring the fire under control in long, dry grass after it jumped Thornton Rd and headed in a westerly direction.

"The second fire started in long grass beside the road only 2km from the New England Hwy on Pikedale Rd where we've had serious fires in the past.

Mr Skinner said two units attended and the fire was controlled by 4pm but had to be monitored overnight by property owners due to the wind.

"This fire could have been caused by a discarded cigarette or by a vehicle with a hot exhaust stopping in long grass," he said.

"In both instances, carelessness or callous disregard of the current dry weather conditions could have caused a disaster."

Mr Skinner said it was fortunate volunteers were available at short notice to attend the second fire on Pikedale Rd, with units from The Glen and Dalveen combining to bring the fire under control.

"The Glen brigade was able to turn out only two firefighters and Dalveen brigade three so we were very fortunate the wind held off long enough for us to get ahead of the fire front and stop it," he said.

"Every Rural Fire Brigade needs more volunteers, people who can be on call through the week especially at this time of year when the fire threat is so real." Enquiries about joining one of the Warwick District Rural fire Brigades can be directed to Group Officer Michael Welsh on 0417 442 523 or Deputy Group Officer Alan Payne on 0427 969 964.