Dorchester Fire Station has issued an important reminder after being called out to what transpired to be a controlled burn.

At approximately 3.20pm on Saturday, a crew from Dorchester was mobilised to an alarm sounding at a property in Poundbury; fortunately this turned out to be a false alarm.

The crew was then sent to a small fire in the open in Blagdon Road which turned out to be a controlled burn.

The station has reminded members of the public to remind them in advance of any large bonfires so that they don't have to divert resources unnecessarily.

A spokesperson said: "If you’re intending to have a large bonfire, please advise our Fire Control on 0306 799 0019 or use our online form.

"We often receive emergency calls from people who can see lots of smoke, and it helps us to know where this could be a controlled burn."