A WARNING has been issued to the public regarding barbecues and fires as the weather heats up across Dorset.
Police are urging people not to have barbecues or campfires in wooded areas including forests, moors and heathlands, and also on beaches.
Out-of-control barbecues can lead to devastation to nature and wildlife, according to police.
It follows a disposable barbecue causing a fire which destroyed 550 acres of Wareham Forest in 2020.
A spokesman from Dorset Police said: "We know how much residents and visitors enjoy everything Dorset has to offer.
"We all need to play our part and make sure we’re acting responsibly and keeping safe.
"Please do not have barbecues or campfires in our forests, moors, beaches and heathlands.
"The effect if they get out of control can be devastating to our nature and wildlife."
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