Call to 'be vigilant' on heathlands during alert

The partnership that looks after heathlands in Dorset has asked people to be watchful of suspicious activity after an amber wildfire weather warning was issued.

Multiple fires were tackled by more than 60 firefighters from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) on Sandford Heath and Great Ovens Hill, near Wareham, Dorset, on 28 and 29 March.

Dorset Police said the fires were being treated as suspicious.

Marc House, area manager and head of prevention and protection at DWFRS, said: "We urge everyone who lives near to, visits, or cares for our heathland to stay vigilant."

He added: "If you see smoke, an active fire, or any behaviour that could put these precious landscapes at risk, please report it immediately.

"The sooner we know, the faster we can act.

"Protecting Dorset's heathlands is a shared responsibility, and together we can reduce the risk of further devastation."

The weather warning, issued by the Natural Hazards Partnership, is in place until Saturday.

The largest blaze in March covered an area of about 300m by 200m (984ft by 656ft).

The affected areas include conservation sites for sand lizards, smooth snakes, and other protected species.

Public Spaces Protection Orders are in place in most areas, which means land managers can issue fines to anyone having a campfire or barbecue.

Paul Attwell, team manager at the Dorset Heaths Partnership, said: "There is a lot of work going on all year round when it comes to reducing wildfires on our heathland and in our forests, but one of the most important roles is played by those people who are out on these sites every day and who care deeply about them.

"They are the eyes and ears on the ground, and crucial in the fight against, anti-social behaviour and deliberate fire setting."

Any suspicious behaviour can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers.