WITH a weekend of hot weather approaching, the fire service is urging residents to help prevent heath fires.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service wants people 'to do all they can' to help prevent risk and has issued new safety advice.

Group manager Richard Coleman said: “It’s completely natural to go outside when it’s sunny and to enjoy time with family and friends, maybe with a barbecue or campfire.

"All we ask is that, if you’re planning to do that, please make sure that you’re in a safe area and the ashes are completely cold and damped down before you leave.”

He added: “Large wildfires are thankfully rare but, when they do occur, they take a great deal of resources to bring under control, which impacts our availability for property fires and other emergencies. The damage to local wildlife is also significant, often destroying ecosystems that have taken years to build up.”

Another risk that the service asks people to be aware of is bonfires in the garden, which should never be left unattended.

Guidelines recommend that bonfires should be built away from property, fences, trees and garden structures.

Residents are advised to have a garden hose to hand in case the fire does start to get out of control – although, if this does happen, you should also ring 999.

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.

• Don’t throw cigarette ends or matches out of your vehicle or drop them on the ground. They could start a fire and destroy surrounding countryside.

• Never use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to start a bonfire.

• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately. Don’t tackle it yourself, unless it can be put out with a bucket of water. Call 999 and move to safety.

• If you’re intending to have a large bonfire, please advise fire control on 0306 799 0019 or at www.dwfire.org.uk  – the service often receives emergency calls from people who can see lots of smoke.

• Ensure that you know your location or a landmark so you can direct the fire service.

• Read the countryside code - www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code

For more information see www.dwfire.org.uk/heath-fires