Started accidentally by campfires and disposable barbecues, it caused not only damage to the local ecosystem, and the many rare species of plants and animals that inhabit the heathland, it also impacted local businesses surrounding Wareham Forest and air quality as far away as Southampton.

In the first two weeks, over 250 firefighters were in attendance to extinguish the fire and damp down any hot spots and flare ups. River water was pumped from five miles away and additional support from Hampshire, Devon & Somerset, Royal Berkshire, and South Wales Fire Rescue Services were required. Forestry England has said that the area’s habitat could take decades to recover.

Throughout the summer, Litter Free Dorset has collaborated with the Urban Heath Partnership and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to run the campaign ‘BBQs Burn More Than Bangers’. This campaign aims to remind holiday makers, visitors and residents alike to use and dispose of single-use disposable barbecues responsibly. Alongside a significant social media campaign run by Litter Free Dorset and a campaign animation video, there has been business engagement across Dorset with local shops, holiday parks, campsites, garages and supermarkets. This has resulted in campaign posters on display around the county, in car parks, country parks, windows of local businesses, and on BBQ stands in shops and supermarkets.

See the video on https://www.facebook.com/LitterFreeDorset/videos/317966162847079