POLICE have reminded people to refrain from lighting a fire after they came across evidence of a previous fire started at a log. 

Officers from Christchurch Police were out patrolling when they made the discovery, and have reminded people to bear in mind the hot dry weather we are currently experiencing. 

A spokesperson for Christchurch Police said: “While on foot patrol around Christchurch, Neighbourhood Officers have been made aware of evidence that fires have been lit in the area.  

Bournemouth Echo: Evidence of a fire started in ChristchurchEvidence of a fire started in Christchurch

“In the current weather conditions, it is extremely important that members of the public refrain from lighting fires of any kind, as doing so could have serious consequences both for the surrounding area and for the person responsible should the fire get out of hand.  

“Please help us keep our community and town safe.” 

Read more: Amber weather warning issued for Dorset with extreme heat

Read more: Ensbury Park Road closed due to shed fire

The warning comes as the Met Office today issued an amber extreme heat weather warning across much of England, including the whole of Dorset, from Thursday, August 11. 

An amber weather alert will be in place until midnight at Sunday, August 14. 

Bournemouth Echo: Road closed as fire crews deal with shed fire in BournemouthRoad closed as fire crews deal with shed fire in Bournemouth

Read more: Heatwave: amber heat-health alert issued for BCP and Dorset

Fire services have been dealing with a number of fires across the conurbation, including a garden shed in Ensbury Park Road on Sunday evening. 

Two fire engines tackled the domestic fire, which saw thick, black smoke billowing across the sky of Bournemouth. 

Yesterday, a fire broke out at a field of crops and nearby woodland in Pimperne, north Dorset.  

Multiple fire crews attended the incident which was reported to the fire service just after 4pm.