DORSET and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have appealed to the public to stay vigilant as Dorset and the South of England face an Amber wildfire risk this weekend.

The alert means that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry and windy conditions, as seen with the major incident in Wareham Forest earlier in the year.

DWFRS are issuing a strong warning to the public, saying that “worse could yet happen” if people ignore the safety warnings.

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 take sensible precautions following the wildfire alert.”