LAST summer saw a near 70 per cent increase in fires attended in Dorset compared with the previous year, according to new statistics.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 1,303 fires in July, August and September 2022 – a 69 per cent increase on the 770 fires for the same time period the year before.
DWFRS has urged residents to “remain vigilant”, even at this time of the year, as there has not been any significant rainfall for some time.
DWFRS area manager Damien Bence said: “As we approach springtime, we ask that the public remain vigilant as wildfires can start at any time of the year – although the temperature is still low, we haven’t had significant rainfall for some time.
“This not only increases the risk of fires spreading quickly but also increases the risk of ignition.”
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He said spreading awareness about fire safety will remain a priority this summer, adding: “We will be launching our wildfire campaign in the coming weeks to promote fire safety outdoors,” he said.
“Additionally, prevention work is already underway in schools to remind children about the dangers of fire in the countryside, as well as what to do if they spot a fire out and about, particularly as the evenings get lighter and warmer.”
Summer 2022 saw an “unprecedented” increase in fires attended by DWFRS, with the first 10 days in August seeing a 429 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
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Mr Bence added: “These incidents are incredibly resource-intensive, and some can take days – and even weeks – to bring under control. Alongside the devastating impact on the countryside, such fires are also very costly.”
DWFRS are looking for more on-call firefighters this summer. Mr Bence said: “The service is always looking for more on-call firefighters, and with the majority of our stations being on-call, this is of even more importance during the busy summer months.
“We are encouraging anyone interested in joining us, and contributing to keeping their communities safe, to get in touch.
“More information can be found on our website: https://www.dwfire.org.uk/working-for-us/on-call-firefighters/.”
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