Fire service warns wildfire conditions expected
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Curtis Lancaster
South of England
DWFRS
Fire flared up on Newton Heath in August 2025 because of strong winds
A fire service has warned people to avoid unnecessary outdoor fires as it is anticipating heightened wildfire conditions.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said strong winds forecast for the region for Wednesday and Thursday could lead even controlled burns like bonfires to spiral out of control.
It comes after the service issued an amber wildfire alert on 21 April due to the dry weather conditions.
It has urged those who spot a fire in the countryside to report it immediately to prevent it from developing into a wildfire incident.
The fire service has suggested the public has
picnics over barbecues
and avoids open fires or campfires which are banned in many parts of Dorset.
The risk is greatest on large areas of "open land", which include areas such as heathlands, fields and cliffsides.
There were multiple heathland fires
in Dorset earlier this year
and
last year
which the service believes were "started deliberately", including at Newton Heath near Poole Harbour in August 2025 when an area the size of 30 football pitches was destroyed.
Calls to 'be vigilant' during amber wildfire alert
Heathland fires believed to be deliberate
Related Links
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
Wildfires
Dorset