Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service issued an Amber wildfire alert for its area on Saturday 20 May 2023, citing the warm, dry weather forecast for the Bank Holiday weekend and the following week1. The Service said the alert currently runs until Saturday 27 May but could be extended1.
An Amber alert means that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry conditions1. The Service referred to the major incident at Studland heath the previous year, saying such fires take a great deal of resources and time to bring under control1.
Group Manager Graham Kewley said disposable barbecues left behind while still hot, and campfires that are not extinguished properly, are common causes of fires in the open1. Disposable barbecues and campfires are banned on heathland, in forests and in many other high-risk areas across Dorset, including at Wareham Forest1. The Service is urging people to bring picnics instead, through a social media campaign called #BringAPicnicNotABBQ1.
"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."
The Service's fire safety advice includes not having barbecues or campfires on the heath or in open spaces, because the risk of a fire starting is too great, and extinguishing cigarettes properly rather than throwing cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows, taking litter home1. It advises anyone who sees a fire in the countryside to call 999 and report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service, giving as much detail as possible about location and access while making sure they are in a safe place1. It asks anyone who sees anything suspicious on the heath or in open spaces to report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111. Landowners and land managers are advised to be prepared for fires where possible, and to ensure fire breaks are cut and well maintained, with any cut grasses and vegetation removed from the site1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Alert level | Amber |
| Issued | Saturday 20 May 2023 |
| Current end date | Saturday 27 May 2023, could be extended |
| Area | Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service area |
| Reason given | Warm, dry weather forecast for the Bank Holiday weekend and into next week |
| Barbecue and campfire ban | Heathland, forests and many other high-risk areas across Dorset, including Wareham Forest |
Why it matters for households
The alert covers the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service area and applies from 20 May, with the Service stating it currently runs until 27 May and could be extended1. Within that area, disposable barbecues and campfires are banned on heathland, in forests and in many other high-risk areas across Dorset, including Wareham Forest1. The Service's stated position is that people should not have barbecues or campfires on the heath or in open spaces, and should bring picnics instead1. It also advises households and visitors to extinguish cigarettes properly and take litter home, to call 999 immediately on seeing a countryside fire, and to report suspicious activity to Crimestoppers1. Landowners and land managers are advised to prepare for fires and maintain fire breaks1. Further detail on these subjects is set out in the guide pages on barbecues and wildfire risk in dry weather, wildfires and grass fires and protecting your home and garden from a wildfire, within the heatwaves and drought section.
What happens next
The Service said the alert currently runs until Saturday 27 May but could be extended1. No further date for a decision on extension has been reported.
Barbecues and Wildfire Risk
Wildfires and Grass Fires
Wildfire Home Protection
