A CAMPAIGN to prevent wildfires has been launched by a number of Dorset organisations.

Litter Free Dorset (LFD), the Urban Heath Partnership (UHP) and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) have launched the campaign ‘BBQs Burn More Than Bangers’ to raise awareness that it is illegal to barbecue on heathland and to promote the use of safe, designated barbecuing destinations.

Dorset’s 8,500 hectares of heathland experiences over 100 wildfires a year, a large number of which can be attributed to a heathland barbecue gone wrong.

The heathlands across the county are home to thousands of species of plants and animals, 450 species of which are recognised as rare, threatened or protected.

Found on the heathlands are 12 known bat species, all six native species of reptile as well as smaller birds and raptors, including the Dartford warblers, nightjars, hen harriers, merlins and ospreys.

Rare insects and invertebrates also habitat on the heathland, including the regionally distinct Purbeck mason wasp, ladybird spider, heath tiger beetle and heath bee-fly.

Sophie Colley, coordinator at Litter Free Dorset, said: “BBQs are great fun however they can cause wildfires when not disposed of correctly. Litter Free Dorset aims to raise awareness that BBQs on heathlands are illegal.

“Heathland fires are not only a threat to wildlife but also people’s homes. BBQs should only take place in designated areas.”

She added: “Please be cool and take your litter home.”

Heathland wildfire can really impact the health and safety of nearby local communities, due to residents having to evacuate, fire damage to properties and risk of lives lost.

In 2011 a large wildfire on Upton Heath damaged 250 acres of heathland, resulted in the evacuation of local residents and required the mobilisation of 185 firefighters and 30 fire engines. The fire resulted in the destruction of 250 acres of heathland, killing thousands of species of flora and fauna, damaging properties and injuring four firemen.

LFD is a community campaign made up of local organisations, charities and community groups aiming to reduce litter across the county. They have invited the general public to support the campaign by using the hashtag #BBQsBurnMoreThanBangers and sharing photos of barbecues in designated barbecuing spots on social media.

They are also urging anyone who sees an illegal heathland barbecue or a heathland wildfire to report it immediately by calling 999 and to evacuate the area as soon as possible.

To see a list of approved designated barbecuing spots and to find tips on barbecuing visit Litter Free Dorset website.