This afternoon a member of the public thought it would be a good idea to have a BBQ in Puddletown Forest. This caused a large forest fire burning gorse and heath and also destroyed wildlife.

Crews from Wimborne Fire Station Dorchester Fire Station Wareham Fire Station Poole Fire Station Hamworthy, Weymouth Fire Station and Blandford Fire Station and Swanage Fire Station have been tackling the fire.

Please follow government guidance and only go outdoors when necessary. This will help prevent these damaging, resource intensive fires starting @dorsetheaths