Dorset is expecting an influx of visitors over the coming days - and with that comes a warning to stay safe and protect the area.
A combination of the Bank Holiday weekend, the last chance for families to get away before schools restart, and large events such as Bournemouth Air Festival, will mean a surge in visitors to the region and using the roads over the coming 10 days.
As widely reported, Dorset has seen a huge amount of fires in recent weeks. Many of them, including an enormous fire at Studland which destroyed five hectares of land, have been caused by a combination of extremely dry weather and people leaving bonfires unattended and disposable barbecues lying around.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging local people to help keep their communities fire-safe, as the summer holidays draw to a close.
READ MORE: Extent of damage seen in aftermath of Studland heath fire
Area manager Jason Moncrieff said: “When the sun shines and the rain stays away, there is a far greater risk of fires starting from bonfires, campfires and disposable barbecues. Whether it’s being careful to have safety measures in place, or doing things differently to avoid needing a fire, residents and visitors alike can really help us to stop land, property and potentially even lives from being devastated.”
Top tips recommended by the service include:
• If you have a bonfire at home, site it well away from buildings, fences, trees and furniture. Have a garden hose to hand in case it starts to get out of control, and don’t leave it unattended.
• Never throw away the coals from a home barbecue unless they are completely cold; let it cool for several hours and then douse in water.
• If you’re out enjoying the countryside, please don’t use a disposable barbecue, especially on heathland or in woodland; a picnic is far safer! #BringAPicnicNotABBQ
• If you’re visiting the beach, don’t use flares or fireworks near the cliffs, and avoid having campfires or disposable barbecues near beach huts or any foliage.
• Always be careful when disposing of cigarette ends, matches and other smoking materials.
• Wherever you are, please be considerate when parking your car – a fire engine needs 3m clearance and any delay in getting through could be catastrophic.
• Local roads will be very busy, so please allow plenty of time for your journey and ‘drive to arrive’.
AM Moncrieff added: “We want to do everything possible to avoid any more large fires, after such a busy holiday season so far, but we also want to keep our communities safe so that everyone can just enjoy the end of the summer. No-one sets out to have an accident, but we can all reduce the risks by taking extra care, whether at home, outside or on the roads.”
More advice on how to stay safe can be found at dwfire.org.uk/safety
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