Amber wildfire alert issued for Hampshire and Dorset as UK temperatures set to hit 20C

AN AMBER wildfire alert has been issued for both Hampshire and Dorset after a spell of "unseasonably" warm and dry weather is forecast for the coming week.

According to weather reports, some parts of the UK will have the hottest March in 100 years with temperatures reaching 20C.

In response, both Hampshire and Dorset fire services have confirmed they now in amber alert for wildfires, as issued by the National Hazards Partnership.

The Dorset service said the risk was “greatest on large areas of open land, such as heathlands, fields and even cliff sides”.

It is the first amber alert of the year with group manager Jason Moncrieff saying: “While the warm and dry spring weather is very welcome after the winter, it does increase the risk of fires spreading quickly if something happens to cause ignition.

“We are urging local farmers to take extra care, as sparks from hot machinery can easily lead to a field catching fire, and we ask everyone enjoying our beautiful countryside and coastline to take extra care and be vigilant with anything that could lead to a fire starting.”

In 2020 a devastating fire in Wareham Forest took weeks to extinguish, with 220 hectares of forest and heathland being destroyed.

Last April large areas of woodland on Studland were burnt during a huge blaze which broke out after days of hot weather.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Rescue Service said: "We’re asking the public to take extra care when they’re enjoying the countryside by not lighting barbecues and campfires and making sure cigarettes are fully extinguished before disposal."

A list of things people should avoid doing during the amber alert include not having an open fire, or barbecue in the countryside, with their use banned in many parts of the county.

Additionally:

• Always put out cigarettes properly and not throw the ends of them on the ground or out of car windows.
• No flares, campfires or barbecues at the beach as sparks can easily lead to gorse, or foliage on the cliffs catching fire.
• Landowners and farmers are advised to be prepared for blazes and ensure fire breaks are cut and well maintained.

If you do see a fire report it immediately to the fire and rescue service after getting to a safe place. Before calling, note the fire location – several mobile phone apps are available that will give the details – then dial 999. If it is safe meet the Fire and Rescue Service at the access point. Never attempt to put a fire out yourself, instead leave the area as quickly as possible.

* This story has been amended from an earlier version after Hampshire's fire service updated its advice