Smouldering BBQs still being discarded in fire-ravaged Dorset forest

Forestry officials fear a repeat of the devastating fire in Wareham Forest in 2020

Evidence of abandoned fires and barbeques have been found in Wareham Forest
Author: Jason BeckPublished 18th May 2022
Last updated 18th May 2022

Smouldering barbeques and campfires are still being left in a Dorset forest devastated by a large fire two years ago.

The blaze in Wareham Forest began on 18 May 2020 and burned for three weeks, destroying an area the size of 350 football pitches.

Forestry officials warn people are continuing to ignore a ban on disposable barbeques in the area, risking a repeat of the fire.

A fire in May 2020 destroyed 220 hectares of heath and forest in Wareham Forest

Mark Warn, wildlife ranger for Forestry England in Dorset said: "Wareham Forest is still visibly scarred by the huge wildfire and it will take many years to fully recover.

"Despite this clear example of the damage fire can cause, we are still finding discarded barbeques and campfires.

"Please help us protect these special places by leaving barbeques at home and bring a picnic instead, it’s just not worth the risk."

Scorched trees in Wareham Forest from the 2020 fire

Emergency services have attended several major heathland fires recently including one at Canford Heath in Poole on 23 April.

Disposable barbeques and fires of any kind are banned by Forestry England and there is also a ban on using barbeques and fires across the Dorset Council area.

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