Dorset's Fire Service warns against bonfires and bbq's in public spaces
The Service has issued guidance on how to have a bonfire safely at home
Dorset's Fire and Rescue Service is urging us to avoid having barbeques or bonfires in public spaces, with the risk of wildfires still high.
The service has been faced with tackling a number of wildfires in recent weeks, including at Moors Valley Country Park.
The warning also comes as people are getting their gardens ready for summer, with much of the waste being burnt in some cases.
Fire officials have issued advice on how to safely dispose of garden waste in a bonfire.
Area Manager at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Anthony Bholah, said conditions are very different now to other times of the year.
He said: "The conditions are a lot drier this time of year and bonfires, however small, can get out of control quite quickly if the if normal safety precautions aren't followed.
"We know people will have bonfires, we just ask them to do it responsibly."
The guidance to those having a bonfire on their property is to keep safe distances from fences, trees and property boundaries. We're also told make sure we have a hose on standby in case the bonfire gets out of control.
We can see the full guidance here.
Anthony said the risk of wildfires in natural spaces is still high, thanks to the drier than usual conditions.
He said: "They're very challenging instance for firefighters, because they've got to deal with the fire itself and the weather conditions.
"So they're very difficult for us, they are a danger to the local wildlife, the local community, so bonfires in those areas do because some significant problems for us."
Anthony added that there are Public Space Protection Orders in place that prohibit the use of bonfires, barbeques and smoking materials across Dorset and Wiltshire.