Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service issued an Amber wildfire alert on 17 June 2022 for parts of its area for the coming weekend, during a spell of hot weather1. The service said the warning means a higher-than-usual risk of a wildfire starting, and that any fire could spread quickly and easily because of the warm conditions1.
The service referred to recent incidents on Canford Heath, saying such fires cause devastation to heath, woodland and wildlife and also put the public and homes at risk1. The alert was described as another in a series issued for the area1. The announcement did not give a list of specific locations covered by the alert, and no further detail on the areas affected has been reported1.
Area Manager Damien Bence said:
"With a period of hot weather underway, we would urge people to take real care when enjoying the sunshine in our beautiful countryside. If you're visiting our heathlands, woodlands or countryside, please avoid having a campfire and take a picnic rather than use a disposable barbecue, just a few simple steps can make a real difference to preventing fires from starting."
The service asked anyone outdoors over the coming days to follow its fire safety tips1:
| Guidance | Detail given by the service |
|---|---|
| Open spaces | No barbecues or campfires on the heath or in open spaces; the risk of a fire starting is too great |
| Smoking | Extinguish cigarettes properly; do not throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows; take litter home |
| Reporting a fire | Get to a safe place and call 999 immediately, giving as much detail as possible about location, using the What3Words app if necessary, and wait for help to arrive |
| Landowners and land managers | Advised to be prepared for fires where possible, ensure fire breaks are cut and well maintained, and remove cut grasses and vegetation from the site |
| Bonfires at home | Have a garden hose to hand in case a bonfire gets out of control, and never use petrol or another accelerant to start it |
| Barbecues and bonfires | Never leave them unattended, and site them well away from fences, trees or buildings |
| Barbecue coals | Coals stay hot for hours; douse them with water and do not dispose of them in a plastic wheelie bin until absolutely sure they are cold |
Why it matters for households
The alert covers parts of the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service area for the coming weekend, and applies to anyone visiting heathland, woodland or countryside there as well as to residents1. The service's guidance centres on preventing fires from starting: avoiding campfires and disposable barbecues in open spaces, disposing of cigarettes and litter properly, and supervising any bonfire or barbecue at home1. It also sets out what to do on seeing a countryside fire: get to a safe place, call 999 and give as much location detail as possible, using the What3Words app if needed, then wait for help1. Background on wildfires and grass fires, barbecues and wildfire risk in dry weather and what to do if you see or are near a wildfire is available in the site's guides, alongside advice on protecting your home and garden from a wildfire and the wider heatwaves and drought section.
What happens next
The service did not state in its announcement when the Amber alert would be lifted or how it would be reviewed; no further timetable has been reported1.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
Barbecues and Wildfire Risk
What to Do Near a Wildfire
Wildfire Home Protection
