EMERGENCY services are urging people to avoid using disposable barbecues during this weekend's heatwave - as Dorset fire bosses revealed the county was on an Amber risk of wildfire.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has warned against the dangers of disposable barbecues after 550 acres of Wareham Forest was destroyed earlier this year.

Fire service spokesman, said: "While we completely understand that people will want to get outside and enjoy the glorious weather, we do ask that they take a picnic or buy a takeaway rather than use a disposable barbecue or campfire.

"This weekend carries an Amber risk of wildfire and nobody wants to see another fire like the one that destroyed so much of Wareham Forest in May."

A heatwave is expected this weekend and the risk of wildfire is high. There are over 100 heathland wildfires a year in the county, many of which can be attributed to heathland barbecues gone wrong.

Litter Free Dorset has been asking shops, supermarkets and petrol stations to support their 'BBQs Burn More Than Bangers' campaign which reminds people to use barbecues responsibly.

Sophie Colley from Litter Free Dorset said: "A huge thank you goes to the businesses that have supported the campaign as well as those who have stopped selling barbecues altogether. It’s vital we promote safe barbecue use to customers to reduce the impacts of littering, therefore we need all shops and supermarkets to help."