AN AMBER wildfire alert has been issued again for Dorset.

The alert was issued by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) on Thursday April 22.

It has been issued because should a wildfire start it could spread quickly and easily due to dry and windy conditions.

Persistant dry weather and stroing winds mean that the alert will last over the weekend.

Last year's huge Wareham Forest fire was caused by a disposable barbecue or campfire.

DWFRS group manager Jason Moncrieff said: “In light of the amber wildfire alert, we are asking for the public’s help by not having campfires or using disposable barbecues in our forests and heathlands.

"Whilst we understand that the lifting of some lockdown restrictions, combined with the dry weather, will mean people will want to go out and about, we cannot stress enough the importance of being fire aware.

"Please follow these few steps so we can avoid another wildfire in our beautiful countryside."

Fire safety tips from DWFRS:

• Don’t have barbecues or campfires on the heath or in open spaces – the risk of a fire starting is too great in the current conditions.

• Extinguish cigarettes properly, 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, call 999 and report it immediately to DWFRS. Please provide as much detail as possible about location and access, but also make sure you are in a safe place.

A DWFRS spokesman said: "Landowners and land managers are also advised to be prepared for fires, where possible, and ensure that fire breaks are cut and well maintained, with any cut grasses and vegetation removed from the site."

Visit dwfire.org.uk/heath-fires-and-countryside-safety for further information.