We’ve all been enjoying the gloriously dry and sunny conditions over the last couple of weeks, but the downside is that there is a danger of wildfires.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has therefore issued an Amber wildfire alert, which means that fires could spread quickly and easily as happened in Wareham Forest last year.

Group manager Jason Moncrieff said: “We are asking for the public’s help by not having campfires or using disposable barbecues in our forests and heathlands. Whilst we understand that the lifting of some lockdown restrictions, combined with the dry weather, will mean people will want to go out and about, we cannot stress enough the importance of being fire aware. Please follow these few steps so we can avoid another wildfire in our beautiful countryside.”

Fire safety top tips:

1. Don’t have barbecues or campfires on the heath or in open spaces; the risk of a fire starting is too great in the current conditions.
2. Extinguish cigarettes properly, don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows – take your litter home.
3. If you see a fire in the countryside, call 999 and report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Please provide as much detail as possible about location and access, but also make sure you are in a safe place.

 Landowners and land managers are also 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.