AN AMBER alert has been issued ahead of the summer heatwave in the coming days.

The alert is the possibility of a wildfire that could spread quickly and easily.

Large areas of open land, such as heathlands, fields, and even cliffsides are most at risk.

Group manager Graham Kewley said: “While the warmer weather is welcome after such a wet start to the year, it does mean that foliage will now be dry, and this can result in a greater risk of fires spreading if something happens to cause ignition.

“We would urge anyone going out and about in our beautiful countryside this weekend to take extra care, follow our advice to #BringAPicnicNotABarbecue, and avoid having campfires on heathland or in woodlands.”

DWFRS would also like to reinforce tips for staying safe while out and about.

Some of the tips include:

  • Avoid having open fires or using barbecues in the countryside. Disposable barbecues and campfires are actually banned in many parts of Dorset.
  • Extinguish smoking materials properly, and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows – take your litter home.
  • If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Early detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire incident.