Andy Munns
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service once again reminds the public to #BringAPicnicNotABBQ through its wildfire prevention campaign.
The campaign aims to remind the residents of Dorset and Wiltshire, as well as daytrippers and holidaymakers, to take care of our beautiful open spaces this summer.
Over the last three years, there has been a steady increase in fires in the open, with a spike in the summer of 2022. In 2021, 494 fires were dealt with, 912 in 2022, and 510 in 2023.
The Wareham Forest fire, which occurred in May 2020 and is believed to have been started by a disposable barbecue, was one of the most devastating forest and heath fires in Dorset in living memory. Firefighters, police officers, Forestry England rangers, and many other partners were on the scene for over three weeks, working tirelessly in hot and arduous conditions to bring the major incident to a conclusion.
Disposable barbecues and campfires, left behind when still hot, are known causes of heath and forest fires. This campaign aims to reduce this risk by encouraging people to choose alternatives. It also highlights that barbecues and fires are banned on heathland, in forests, and in many other high-risk areas across Dorset, including Wareham Forest.
Area Manager Marc House, Head of Prevention at DWFRS said: “Firefighters, Control room operators and all staff from across Dorset & Wiltshire (along with a range of partners) who supported the Wareham Forest fire and more recently the Canford Heath fire, worked extremely hard to bring these incidents to a safe conclusion.
“These incidents highlight just how devastating, and resource intensive, wildfires are. With nice weather hopefully on the way, it is only natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy it with friends and family, but it is also important to stay fire-aware when out and about. The idea behind the #BringAPicnicNotABBQ campaign is to remind those enjoying our countryside that bringing a picnic is a much safer option than having a barbecue.”
More information on staying safe and enjoying outside areas whilst avoiding starting a wildfire can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/heath-fires-and-countryside-safety
