Amber wildfire warning issued for Dorset amid 'heatwave'

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) say an Amber alert means that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry conditions.

READ MORE: RECAP: Fire crews battle heath fire at Canford Heath

Canford Heath fire. Pictures: Bournemouth Echo

The warning also comes after the Met Office issued a Level 2 heat alert for the whole of the southwest region, with great risk on large areas of open land, such as heathlands, fields and even cliff sides.

READ MORE: UKHSA and Met Office issue first Level 2 heat alert across Dorset

The warning means a higher-than-usual risk of a wildfire starting. Should such a fire happen, it could spread quickly and easily due to the current warm conditions.

As seen with the recent incidents on Canford Heath, not only do they cause devastation to heath, woodland and wildlife but they also put the public and homes at risk.

DWFRS area manager Damien Bence said: “With a period of hot weather underway, we would urge people to take real care when enjoying the sunshine in our beautiful countryside.

"If you’re visiting our heathlands, woodlands or countryside, please avoid having a campfire and take a picnic rather than use a disposable barbecue – just a few simple steps can make a real difference to preventing fires from starting.

"We’d also remind people to take care if having a barbecue or bonfire at home. All too often, we see property destroyed when an initially small fire suddenly gets out of control.

"Never leave a bonfire or barbecue unattended, and site them well away from fences, trees or buildings."

Anyone enjoying the outdoors over the coming days is asked to follow these fire safety top tips.

Do not have barbecues or campfires on the heath or in open spaces; the risk of a fire starting is too great.

Extinguish cigarettes properly, don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows – take your litter home.

If you see a fire in the countryside, get to a safe place and call 999 to report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Provide as much detail as possible about location and if necessary, use the What3Words app and wait for help to arrive.

Landowners and land managers are advised to be prepared for fires, where possible, and ensure that fire breaks are cut and well maintained, with any cut grasses and vegetation removed from the site.

When having a bonfire at home, have a garden hose to hand in case it starts to get out of control, and never use petrol or another accelerant to get it started.

Barbecue coals stay hot for hours, so douse them with water and don’t dispose of them in a plastic wheelie bin until you can be absolutely sure they are cold.

For more, visit: www.dwfire.org.uk/safety-outdoors