DORSET Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning after ‘smoke bombs’ triggered fire alerts.

The warning comes after fire crews were called out to properties being fumigated, after the smoke prompted neighbours to call 999.

Station manager Charlie Pack of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said: “Householders set off these devices and then leave their properties for a few hours to fumigate it. However, the neighbours are unaware of the fumigation plan and call the fire and rescue service, thinking the property is on fire.

“If you are carrying out pest control operations in your own home, as a precaution it is advisable to let your neighbours know to avoid false alarms such as this.”