New campaign to educate visitors about Dorset's wildfire risks
The county experiences roughly 107 wildfires each year
Last updated 26th Jul 2022
Wildlife organisations and Dorset Fire and Rescue are working together on a campaign to educate the public on the risks of wildfires in Dorset’s forests and Heathlands, especially during hot weather.
Visitors to Dorset’s forests and heathlands will see banners or signs reminding them of the risks of wildfires caused by campfires and BBQs, and reminding them that these are not allowed.
Paul Attwell, Team Manager at the Urban Heath Partnership, is one of the people behind the campaign.
“There’s been quite a few wildfires all around the country recently with the hot weather,” he explains.
“In Dorset alone we average 107 heathland fires per year and some of those we can associate with BBQs as being the ignition for it.”
Visitors will be reminded about these risks both on site and on social media, Attwell says.
“Our campaign is to raise awareness about the risks associated with having barbecues on heathlands, especially at this time of year when it’s really hot. On site you’ll see banners that remind you of this.”
The campaign is also encouraging visitors to bring a picnic instead of a BBQ when they visit Dorset’s forests and heathlands to protect wildlife and their natural habitats.
“It can take up to 25 years for it forests and heathlands to return back to the state it was in before the fire,” Attwell explains.
“Obviously once it’s burned the area is totally devastated and blackened, and any reptiles and birds which survive then are open to being taken by predators because there’s no cover.”
Further information about the risks of wildfires and how to avoid them can be found here.