Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) have lowered its fire severity alert to yellow but say small changes can make a "huge difference".

The fire service announced a red alert last Thursday, 11 August, but told the Journal today that the risk level has been lowered.

Read more: Red fire severity alert for Wiltshire issued

Despite the rain, DWFRS say any fire that does break out will still spread quickly because the ground is "very hard and dry"

Group manager Dave Waters said: "The risk is as great in your garden as it is on a heathland.

"Taking extra care, and perhaps doing things a bit differently to usual, can make a huge difference to staying safe.”

Advice from the fire service on staying safe

DWFRS have issued some top fire safety tips for the public:

  • Don’t have a bonfire at home while the conditions are so dry. If it’s absolutely necessary, make sure you have a garden hose to hand in case it starts to get out of control; site it well away from fencing, trees and property; never use petrol or another accelerant to get it started; and don’t leave it unattended.
  • Barbecue coals and fire pits stay hot for hours, so douse them with water and don’t dispose of the remnants until you can be absolutely sure they are cold.
  • Don’t have barbecues or campfires on heath or in open spaces; the risk of a fire starting is too great. Barbecues and campfires are actually banned in many country parks, campsites and open spaces, so make sure you check what is and isn’t allowed where you are, and follow the rules.
  • An easy way to stay safe is to #BringAPicnicNotABBQ.
  • Extinguish cigarettes 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, get to a safe place and call 999 to report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Please provide as much detail as possible about location – the What3Words or other location apps can help – and wait for help to arrive.

For more information about staying safe outdoors, visit Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue's website.

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