Firefighters have dealt with near 100 fires in the open in less than two weeks. 

It has been an exceptionally busy time for the teams at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service recently.

Between Sunday, July 1 and Wednesday, July 11 crews have dealt with a total of 95 fires in the open across Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole.

Dramatic pictures show toilet facilities on Portland destroyed after a grass fire broke out earlier this week.

The pictures, submitted by Brook Swan, show the toilet facilities being engulfed by the flames and destroyed in a matter of minutes.

Dorset Echo:

The facilties were completely destoryed Picture: DORCHESTER FIRE STATION

Crews from Dorchester, Weymouth and Blandford were sent to a fire in a field off Warren Roadnear Puddletown on Tuesday.

An area of 100m by 200m was said to be alight.

Firefighters were also called to a field fire at Tilly Whim near Dorchester  on Tuesday.

It took three hose reel jets and beaters to bring the fire under control.

Crews from Dorchester, Weymouth along with an off-road vehicle from Bere Regis attended to bring the fire under control.

A large field fire broke out on Sunday afteroon (8) at a field at Mapperton Farm near Winterborne Zelston.

Due to the weather conditions the fire spread quickly and at the height of the incident there were eight fire engines at the scene.

Dorset Echo:

Field fire at Mapperton Farm Picture: KERRY WALTON

Crews from Poole, Hamworthy, Gillingham, Blandford, Wareham, Ferndown and Redhill Park attended.

The field fire covered an area of 500m by 500m and crews extinguished the fire using 10 hose reel jets, a mainline and beaters.

On the same day, a further fire broke out at a field in Piddletrenthide.

Dorset Echo:

The fire in Piddletrenthide Picture: DORCHESTER FIRE STATION

A warning has also been issued by Purbeck Police who assisted the fire service with a fire at the Arne last weekend.

A spokesman said: "The extremely dry conditions we have been having have turned the heathlands into tinderboxes and very susceptible to fire.

"Both accidental and deliberate fires can prove disastrous for the heathland and potentially deadly, not only to visitors but to staff and emergency service personnel that have to deal with them.

"We want you to continue to enjoy our unique landscapes, however please be mindful that one thoughtless action could lead to a catastrophic chain of events so be vigilant and take extra care."

"The heathlands are a beautiful place to visit so please ensure it remains that way for others and for you to re-visit. If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately. Do not try to tackle it yourself. Call the fire service and leave the area as soon as possible."

The fire service has the following advice for enjoying the outdoors safely:

  • Avoid open fires in the countryside. If you must have a fire, make sure that you’re in a designated safe area.
  • Put out cigarettes and other smoking materials properly before you leave your vehicle.
  • Do not throw cigarette ends out of your vehicle. They could start a fire and destroy surrounding countryside.
  • Site bonfires well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures.
  • Have a garden hose to hand in case the fire starts to get out of control.
  • Never use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to start a bonfire.
  • Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands, as sunlight shining through the glass can cause a fire to start. Take the items home, or put them in a waste or recycling bin.
  • If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately. Do not try to tackle a fire yourself; usually they can’t be put out with a bucket of water. Please call the fire service and leave the area as soon as possible.
  • If you’re intending to have a large bonfire, please advise Fire Control on 0306 799 0019 or use the form on our website – we often receive emergency calls from people who can see lots of smoke, and it helps us to know where this could be a controlled burn.
  • Ensure that you know your location or a landmark so you can direct the fire service.
  • Make sure you know the Countryside Code – gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code