Dorset fire service and land managers prepare for wildfires

The Dorset Heaths Partnership and DWFRS have been working together to combat the increasing frequency of wildfires in the UK, particularly in Dorset.

Their efforts are more crucial than ever with the forecast predicting higher-than-average temperatures and lower-than-average rainfall for the season.

For more than 20 years, the Dorset Heaths Partnership has been dedicated to protecting and managing Dorset’s heathland habitats.

Reducing the risk of wildfires is one of its main priorities.

Fire service and land managers unite to combat Dorset wildfire risks (Image: Dorset Heaths Partnership) To equip land managers and partners with the necessary knowledge and skills to support wildfire response, the partnership recently collaborated with DWFRS to provide specialist training at Avon Heath Country Park.

The training day saw 40 land managers participate in sessions led by Andy Elliott, wildfire tactical advisor and Chris Mitchell, wildfire subject matter lead from DWFRS.

The sessions included familiarisation with DWFRS appliances, firefighting techniques and classroom learning.

Participants were educated on wildfire behaviour, how wildfires spread, the factors influencing their behaviour, and potential hazards associated with wildfires.

Training at Avon Heath equips 40 land managers for summer wildfire response (Image: Dorset Heaths Partnership) Station manager Chris Mitchell said: “How we prevent and reduce wildfires is extremely important to us, so we were pleased to be able to share awareness and training with our stakeholders.

“The training day, which is held annually, gave us the opportunity to work with land managers and their staff and provide training so that we can continue to safely and effectively respond and deal with wildfires across our service area.”

The Dorset Heaths Partnership is committed to improving wildfire preparedness through ongoing training and collaboration, to manage habitats more effectively and assist the fire service during wildfire incidents.

The public is reminded that lighting fires or barbecues on heathland is illegal and any fires encountered should be reported by dialling 999.

Paul Attwell, team manager of the Dorset Heaths Partnership, said: “Wildfires have a huge impact on the local community, they put the safety of the public, wildlife and property at risk and can destroy large areas of heathland and forest.”