Emergency? Call 999

For general enquiries

Contact Us

Latest Incidents

26th March, 2024 - 21:45: Weymouth Wholetime and Weymouth on-call were mobilised to a domestic f...Read more

26th March, 2024 - 10.45pm: At 10.45 this morning, crew received a call for a one year old locked ...Read more

26th March, 2024 - 8.29am: At 8.29am this morning, control received a call from Police regarding ...Read more

26th March, 2024 - 3.59am: At 3.59am we received a call to alarms operating in a residential prop...Read more

25th March, 2024 - 11.52pm: At 11.52pm we received a call to an RTC Persons Trapped in Castle Lane...Read more

25th March, 2024 - 11.07pm: At 11.07pm we received a call to alarms in a residential property in C...Read more

25th March, 2024 - 10.04pm: At 10.04pm we received a call to a fire in a domestic property in Haze...Read more

25th March, 2024 - 8.27pm: At 8.27pm we received a call to a fire in a domestic property in Paste...Read more

25th March, 2024 - 8.26pm: At 8.26pm we received a call to a fire in a residential property in Gl...Read more

25th March, 2024 - 7.33pm: At 7.33pm we received a call to an alarm operating in a domestic prope...Read more

#BringAPicnicNotABBQ reminder after Amber wildfire alert for Bank Holiday


Date: 28th May, 2021

The warm, dry weather forecast for the Bank Holiday weekend and into next week has led to an Amber wildfire alert being issued for Sunday onwards in the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service area.

There have already been a number of sizeable heath fires in Dorset since Easter, causing devastation to acres of heath, woodland and wildlife.

An Amber alert means that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry conditions. As seen with the major incident at Wareham Forest last year, such fires take a great deal of resources and time to bring under control.

Group Manager Richard Coleman said: “While the warm, dry weather forecast for the coming days is most welcome, especially with the Bank Holiday and half term, it does significantly increase the risk of wildfire. Disposable barbecues left behind while still hot, and campfires that aren’t extinguished properly, are common causes of fires in the open, so we would urge people not to use these while out and about in our beautiful countryside.”

Disposable barbecues and campfires are banned on heathland, in forests and in many other high-risk areas across Dorset, including at Wareham Forest. The Service is urging people to bring picnics instead, with a social media campaign called #BringAPicnicNotABBQ

Fire safety top tips include:

Andy Elliott, the Service’s wildfire tactical adviser, said: “Dealing with wildfires is incredibly resource-intensive, and can take days – and sometimes even weeks – to bring under control. This means they are also costly, and yet they can be prevented if the people enjoying our heaths and woodlands heed the warnings and take care.”

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 here – www.dwfire.org.uk/heath-fires-and-countryside-safety

 

ENDS

results found.

Name:
Post Holders:
Grade: