Wildfire warning for Wiltshire

With a threatened heatwave over the coming days, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging local people to enjoy the sunshine safely.

The dry and hot conditions mean there is a heightened risk of wildfire, especially on large areas of open land, such as heathlands, fields and cliffsides.

Group Manager Jim Weston said: “The longer we go without rain means that the ground and foliage get really dry, leading to a greater risk of fire spreading if something happens to cause ignition.

“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.”

Top tips for staying fire safe while out and about include:

• Avoid having open fires or using barbecues in the countryside. Disposable barbecues and campfires are actually banned in many parts of Dorset.
• Extinguish smoking materials properly, and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows – take your litter home.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Early detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire incident.
• When calling the Fire & Rescue Service, get to a safe place; note the fire location (apps such as What3Words can help if you’re not sure); call 999; and meet the Fire & Rescue Service at the access point.
• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
• If you’re at the beach, don’t set off flares, have campfires or light barbecues as these can easily lead to gorse and foliage on the cliffs catching fire.

Garden bonfires are very common in the summer, but they can get out of control very easily. If you want to burn off garden waste, make sure you:

• Site any bonfire well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures;
• Have a garden hose to hand in case the fire starts to get out of control; and
• Don’t light a bonfire on a windy day, as it could flare up more than you expect.

There is also a reminder that, while taking a cooling dip in open water can be very tempting when temperatures rise, any lake or waterway can hold hidden dangers.

When considering swimming in any water:

• Never swim alone;
• Look for safety information;
• Don’t jump onto unknown water; and
• Be aware of cold water shock.

GM Weston said: “If you see someone in trouble in the water, don’t go in yourself. Encourage them to float and, if possible, throw them something to hold onto. Stay with them on dry land where you can see them, and call 999, asking for the coastguard if on the beach or the fire service if inland.

He said: “We want everyone to enjoy the good weather while it’s here, but to do so safely. There’s a wealth of advice available at www.dwfire.org.uk/safety-outdoors and we would urge people to follow the guidance.”