Firefighters were called out to a tree on fire after members of the public attempted to smoke a wasps nest out of the tree.

Bridport Fire Station were mobilised at 19.33 on Thursday (August 4) following reports and, on arrival, found the fire had been extinguished.

Members of the public had put the fire out using garden hose pipes.

The call-out came amid a period of hot, dry weather which has seen an increase in the number of incidents firefighters have responded to.

Last month, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 339 fires in the open, compared to 120 last July – an increase of 182%. 

A spokesperson for Bridport Fire Station said: "We suggest pest control is left to the professionals.

"We've had an extended spell of hot, dry weather: it doesn't take much for things to get out of control.

"Please avoid having any type of burn at the moment. If you must have a burn please follow our safety advice."