The pleasant and dry weather anticipated for the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend has prompted an Amber wildfire alert to be issued in the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service area.
This alert, is currently in effect until Saturday, 27th May, but it may be extended.
An Amber alert signifies that if a wildfire were to occur, it could rapidly and easily spread due to the dry conditions. As demonstrated by the major incident at Studland Heath last year, such fires require significant resources and time to bring under control.
Group Manager Graham Kewley commented, “While we welcome the warm, dry weather in the days ahead, especially with the Bank Holiday and half term, it does heighten the risk of wildfires. Abandoned hot disposable barbecues and improperly extinguished campfires are common causes of open fires, so we urge people not to use them while enjoying our beautiful countryside.”
Disposable barbecues and campfires are prohibited on heathlands, in forests, and in numerous other high-risk areas across Dorset, including Wareham Forest. The Service encourages people to bring picnics instead, promoting a social media campaign called #BringAPicnicNotABBQ.
Fire safety tips include:
- Avoid having barbecues or campfires on the heath or in open spaces due to the high risk of fire.
- Properly extinguish cigarettes and refrain from discarding cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows; take your litter home.
- If you spot a fire in the countryside, immediately call 999 and report it to the Fire & Rescue Service. Provide as much detail as possible about the location and access while ensuring your own safety.
Andy Elliott, the Service’s wildfire tactical adviser, emphasized, “Dealing with wildfires requires substantial resources and can take days, and sometimes even weeks, to bring under control. This not only incurs significant costs but can also be prevented if individuals enjoying our heaths and woodlands heed the warnings and exercise caution.”
Landowners and land managers are advised to prepare for fires where feasible and ensure fire breaks are cleared and well-maintained, with any cut grasses and vegetation removed from the site.
For further information on staying safe and enjoying outdoor areas while avoiding the initiation of wildfires, please visit www.dwfire.org.uk/heath-fires-and-countryside-safety.
If you notice anything suspicious on the heath or in scenic open spaces, please report it to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
