"DORSET is fantastic. We want to get out there and enjoy it but at the same time let's just be careful and sensible."
That's the message from a fire service official after part of an east Dorset heathland caught fire just 24 hours after an amber wildfire alert was issued.
Crews were called to the incident on Parley Common shortly before 12pm last Wednesday, March 23. Three fire engines, two Land Rover pumps, a water carrier and a Unimog were sent to extinguish the blaze.
The cause of the fire is unknown but still under investigation.
After Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service issued its first amber wildlife alert of the year previous day, station manager Julian Lockwood described the situation as "frustrating but not uncommon".
He said: "It was quite a large area, around 300m by 100m, so fire investigation is looking into it but unfortunately on most of these occasions it's really hard to determine a cause.
"It's frustrating but it's not uncommon. I think because we're having this lovely spell of hot weather, it is fortuitous that we put out the warning because we knew a lot of people would be out enjoying our local heathlands and open spaces."
When asked whether he and his colleagues expect similar incidents ahead of the summer, Mr Lockwood said: "Yes, I think we do but we also plan accordingly. We're expecting it but we're out early with the warnings and are reiterating that as we approach Easter and weather patterns change; it's about making the public aware of the risks."
Mr Lockwood also explained how wildlife experts are employed to update the service of any upcoming conditions which might heighten the risk of wildfires. This is then referenced in risk-based training undertaken by Dorset firefighters.
"Training for wildfires is very hard as you can imagine", he said. "But we do have a lot of experience, for example we had the Wareham Forest fire which was a very severe one for us.
"Our main message is to enjoy our heathlands, that's what we're here for, but also to be aware of the dangers."
Regarding the risk of disposable barbecues, Mr Lockwood said he was "not a fan" of them, but added: "If they're used in the correct manner, then there's absolutely no reason why they can't be used in safe areas."
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