Date: 2nd April, 2025
An Amber wildfire alert has been extended for the the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service area.
This level of alert means that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry conditions. The risk is greatest on large areas of open land, such as heathlands, fields and even cliffsides.
There have already been a number of fires this week at Moors Valley Country Park, on the Dorset-Hampshire border, that have destroyed several hectares of woodland.
Area Manager Ant Bholah said: “We have already had a number of devastating fires this year, including the on-going issues at Moors Valley and one at Canford Heath last month that destroyed more habitat than all the wildfire incidents we experienced in 2024.
“While the glorious weather is very welcome, especially with the school holidays looming, it does mean the ground and foliage are dry, leading to a greater risk of fire spreading if something happens to cause ignition. We would urge anyone going out and about in our beautiful countryside over the coming days to take extra care and be vigilant, follow our advice to #BringAPicnicNotABarbecue, and avoid having campfires on heathland or in woodlands.”
Top tips for staying fire safe while out and about include:
- Avoid having open fires or using barbecues in the countryside. Disposable barbecues and campfires are actually banned in many parts of Dorset.
- Extinguish smoking materials properly, and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows – take your litter home.
- If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Early detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire incident.
- When calling the Fire & Rescue Service:
- Get to a safe place;
- Note the fire location (apps such as What3Words can help if you’re not sure);
- Call 999;
- Meet the Fire & Rescue Service at the access point.
- Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
- If you’re at the beach, don’t set off flares, have campfires or light barbecues as these can easily lead to gorse and foliage on the cliffs catching fire.
Landowners and land managers are advised to be prepared for fires, where possible, and ensure that fire breaks are cut and well maintained, with any cut grasses and vegetation removed from the site.
More information on staying safe and enjoying outside areas whilst avoiding starting a wildfire can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/heath-fires-and-countryside-safety