The fire service has relaunched its campaign to prevent wildfires is urging the public not to use disposable barbecues. 

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is reminding residents as well as day trippers and holidaymakers, to take care in open spaces this summer.

Disposable barbecues have been highlighted as a big cause of heath and forest fires, as are campfires. 

The Wareham Forest fire which caused massive devastation in May 2020 was believed to have been started by a disposable barbecue. 

This campaign aims to reduce this risk by encouraging people to choose alternatives. It also highlights that barbecues and fires are banned on heathland, in forests and in many other high-risk areas across Dorset. 

Area Manager Marc House, Head of Prevention at DWFRS said: “These incidents highlight just how devastating, and resource intensive, wildfires are.

"With nice weather hopefully on the way, it is only natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy it with friends and family, but it is also important to stay fire-aware when out and about."

More information can be found on the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire service website:  www.dwfire.org.uk/heath-fires-and-countryside-safety