Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has appealed for public vigilance as the South of England is set for an Amber wildfire risk over the weekend.
The fire service has issued prevention advice
The Amber classification is second only to situations of the most extreme risk.
It means that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry and windy conditions.
The force reminded the public of the major fire in Wareham Forest earlier in the year, and that tackling wildfires takes a great deal of time and resources.
Group Manager Karen Adams said: “The devastation caused by Wareham Forest highlights just how easily a moment of carelessness can escalate.
"The cost of these types of fires to the countryside, the service, and the public themselves is not something that should be taken lightly.
“As such, we are asking for the public’s help in ensuring our resources can be used for the vital support of communities by not having campfires or using disposable barbecues in our forests and heathlands.
"Of course, we understand people wanting to get out and enjoy the summer, but as a community we cannot afford to lose any more of our natural habitat.
"We can only achieve this if everyone plays their part and takes sensible precautions following the wildfire alert.”
Wildfires, the service says, can start for reasons including deliberate setting, littering of items such as disposable barbecues and cigarettes, campfires and bonfires left unattended or becoming out of control, sparks from machinery and vehicles and heat from car components igniting grass.
Fire prevention advice can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/firewise
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