Amber Wildfire Alert issued for Dorset and Wiltshire

An amber fire alert has been issued for the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service area for the coming weekend.

This is the first Amber Fire Alert of 2024 in Dorset and Wiltshire.

An amber alert means that if a fire were to be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to dry conditions. The risk is greatest over large areas of open terrain such as moors, fields and even cliffs.

Group manager Stuart Gillion said: “With a spell of warm weather underway, we would urge people to take extra care when enjoying the sun in our beautiful countryside. If you’re visiting our forests, woodlands or countryside, please avoid a campfire and have a picnic rather than using a disposable barbecue – just a few simple steps can make a real difference to preventing fires starting. ”

He added: “We are also reminding people to take care if they have a barbecue or campfire at home. Too often, we see property destroyed when an initially small fire suddenly gets out of control. Never leave a fire or grill unattended and place it away from fences, trees or buildings.”

Anyone enjoying the outdoors over the coming days is asked to follow these top fire safety tips:

• Do not make barbecues or campfires on the stove or in open spaces; the risk of starting a fire is too great.
• Extinguish cigarettes properly, don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or on car windows – take your rubbish home.
• If you notice a fire in the countryside, call 999 and report the Fire and Rescue Service immediately. Please provide as many details as possible about the location, if necessary use the What3Words app, but also make sure you are in a safe place.
• Landowners and land managers are advised to be prepared for wildfires where possible and to ensure that firebreaks are trimmed and well maintained and that cut grass and vegetation is removed from the site.
• If you’re building a fire at home, keep a garden hose handy in case it starts to get out of hand, and never use gasoline or other accelerant to start it.
• Grilling coals stay hot for hours, so sprinkle them with water and don’t throw them in a plastic bin until you can be absolutely sure they’re cool.