A brave member of Dorset and Wiltshire fire crews is bringing new expertise to the county after battling fires in the US.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Watch Manager Andy Elliott returned from California after spending three weeks working alongside Middletown crews of Cal Fire.

The US State of California recently declared a state of emergency after being gripped by some of the worst wildfires in recent history.

Andy is one of only 12 Wildlife Tactical Advisors for the UK and has been travelling to California since 2015 after his expertise and training was called upon to help tackle the infamous, Valley Fire.

The fire became the most destructive fire in California’s history, burning across over 76,000 acres, destroying nearly 2,000 homes and claiming the lives of at least four people.

During his first two weeks with the Middletown crews, Andy attended several incidents including four structure fires, many medical incidents and several wildfires.

Andy received training on their unique equipment and learnt new wildfire techniques as well as completing his USA wildfire qualifications.

But wildfires are not limited to the United States or Continental Europe. Conditions during the summer months, especially across the heathland and plains of Dorset and Wiltshire, often lend themselves to wildfires.

Andy said: “Climate change predictions are suggesting that we may see more extreme wildfire conditions in the UK. Southern Europe has suffered its most destructive wildfire season ever and this is slowly coming our way.

"It is important that UK firefighters learn lessons from other parts of the world to help us prepare for our own wildfires.”

To raise awareness and to discuss how we can prepare for wildfires in the UK, Andy and Dorset County Council are organising this year’s UK Wildfires Conference in Bournemouth on November 7 and 8.

The theme for this year’s conference is Wildfire Mitigation in a UK Context. The biennial conference, hosted by Dorset’s Urban Heaths Partnership, and overseen by the England and Wales Wildfire Forum and the Scottish Wildfire Forum, will bring together wildfire practitioners from all over the UK and beyond.

Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “In light of the recent wildfire tragedies around the world, it is appropriate for key stakeholders within the UK to review our position on wildfires, to ensure that we are well-prepared to meet the challenges posed by our present and future climate and fuels.”

More information on the UK Wildfire Conference visit www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/uk-wildfire-conference.

For more information on staying safe outdoors, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety-outdoors.