Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a wildfire warning on 18 June 2025, ahead of a threatened heatwave over the coming days. The service said dry and hot conditions mean a heightened risk of wildfire, especially on large areas of open land such as heathlands, fields and cliffsides1.
Group Manager Jim Weston said the longer the region goes without rain, the drier the ground and foliage become, increasing the risk of fire spreading if something causes ignition. He said the service has already had a number of devastating fires this year1.
"We have already had a number of devastating fires this year, so we would urge anyone going out and about in our beautiful countryside to take extra care and be vigilant; follow our advice to #BringAPicnicNotABarbecue; and avoid having campfires on heathland or in woodlands."
The service's guidance covers open land, the coast and gardens. It said disposable barbecues and campfires are banned in many parts of Dorset, and that people should avoid open fires or barbecues in the countryside and extinguish smoking materials properly rather than throwing cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows1. At the beach, it said flares, campfires and barbecues can easily lead to gorse and foliage on cliffs catching fire1. For garden bonfires, it said these should be sited well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures, with a garden hose to hand, and should not be lit on a windy day1.
On reporting a fire, the service said people should get to a safe place, note the location (apps such as What3Words can help), call 999 and meet the fire service at the access point. It said early detection can prevent a fire developing into a large wildfire incident, and that people should not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with a bucket of water but should leave the area as quickly as possible1.
The warning also covers open water. The service said people should never swim alone, should look for safety information, should not jump onto unknown water and should be aware of cold water shock. Mr Weston said that if someone is in trouble in the water, others should not go in themselves but should encourage them to float, throw them something to hold onto if possible, stay with them on dry land and call 999, asking for the coastguard on a beach or the fire service inland1.
Why it matters for households
The warning applies to people in the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service area, which covers Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire, and is tied to hot, dry conditions expected over the coming days from 18 June 20251. For households, the practical points are the service's: disposable barbecues and campfires are banned in many parts of Dorset; garden bonfires carry a risk of spreading in dry weather; and fires in the countryside should be reported immediately on 999 with a noted location1. The service also points to safety advice on its website at dwfire.org.uk/safety-outdoors1. The service has not reported specific fire locations, damage or casualty figures in this warning.
What happens next
No further dated steps have been announced. The service said it wants everyone to enjoy the good weather while it is here, but to do so safely, and urged people to follow the guidance on its website1. Households preparing for hot, dry spells can read the site's guides on wildfires and grass fires, barbecues and wildfire risk in dry weather and protecting your home and garden from a wildfire, within the heatwaves and drought section.
Wildfires and Grass Fires
Barbecues and Wildfire Risk
Wildfire Home Protection
