FIRE chiefs have issues a wildfire warning ahead of the forecast heatwave set to hit Dorset this week.

Forecasters are expecting temperatures in Bournemouth to breach 82F by Friday, putting the conurbation on a par with current temperatures in Athens and Miami.

This hot spell means a heightened risk of devastating wildfires in and around the county, such as the dramatic St Catherine's Hill wildfire of 2015 which destroyed 175 acres of protected heathland.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) wildfire tactical advisor Andy Elliott said: "With a period of hot, dry weather being forecast, we would urge people to take real care when enjoying the sunshine in our beautiful countryside.

"If you do want a campfire or barbecue, please make sure that you’re in a safe area and that the ashes are fully extinguished and damped down before you leave.

"Large wildfires are thankfully rare but, when they do occur, they take a great deal of resources to bring under control, which impacts the availability of appliances for property fires and other emergencies.

"The damage to local wildlife is also significant, often destroying ecosystems that have taken years to build up."

The fire service has asked people to avoid open fires in the countryside, to make sure their cigarettes are properly put out and to never use flammable liquids, such as petrol of paraffin, to start a bonfire.

They have also issued further advice which can be found on the DWFRS website.

Group manager Richard Coleman said: "Bonfires are also common in the summer months, we have recently dealt with a higher than normal number of fires involving BBQ’s and bonfires as they can get out of control very easily.

"If you are burning off garden waste in the garden please site any bonfire well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures and have a garden hose to hand in case the fire starts to get out of control.

"If a fire does get out of control, please call 999."