After being called to a record number of wildfires last year, firefighters have warned the public to take precautions this summer to prevent them.
In hot spells in 2022, the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service reported dealing with 911 such fires, a 400% increase from the previous year.
They are frequently "innocently" started by disposable barbecues, according to assistant chief fire officer Andy Cole.
They are extremely challenging, intricate, and laborious fires to put out, he said. ".
To increase public awareness of wildfires, the fire service has started its Bring A Picnic Not A BBQ campaign for a second summer.
As with any fire, wildfires are by their very nature extremely dangerous, but they also drain the fire and rescue service of a lot of their resources.
"They're started innocently, just by the misuse of disposable barbecues," Mr. Cole continued. "They're not started intentionally.".
A number of wildfires broke out in the West last summer during extended hot spells, and earlier this month, fire crews in Gloucestershire assisted farmers in rural areas in looking at ways to reduce the risk.
The alert was issued at the same time that an amber heat health alert was issued for the Midlands, Eastern England, and Southern England.
After you've finished using them, disposable barbecues keep their heat for a sizable period of time, according to Mr. Cole.
"Watch where you throw cigarettes and barbecues away more carefully.
"We would strongly suggest that no campfires or bonfires be left unattended. They have a high propensity to spiral out of control.
"There are also cars parked on grassy berms. He continued, "The heat from the exhaust system can ignite a fire.
