"Don’t scorch our heathlands": Wildfire warning in Dorset
Dorset Council is raising awareness of the risks of wildfires during soaring temperatures
Last updated 22nd Jul 2022
As the summers get hotter and temperatures soar, the Urban Heaths Partnerships, Litter Free Dorset and Dorset Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are working together to help raise awareness of the risk of wildfires on heathland and forests.
The key reminder is campfires and BBQs are not allowed on heathland sites.
The reports of wildfires are becoming more common, with Dorset subject to 107 fires a year because of disposable BBQs being left behead.
In 2020, a wildfire saw 220 hectares of forest destroyed in Dorset.
Group Manager, Dave Adamson from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Warm, dry weather forecast for the coming days is welcome but does increase the risk of wildfires. We urge people not to use disposable BBQs in our countryside".
Paul Atwell, Team Manager at Urban Heath Partnership said: "Heathland fires are devastating to people, wildlife and property, and working in partnership we are trying to reduce the number and size of such incidents, but needs the help of everyone who visits these sites".