A FIRE chief is urging for 'public vigilance' to prevent wildfires - after revealing crews across Dorset dealt with more than 440 wildfire call-outs last year alone.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said wildfires take 'a great deal of resources' to bring under control, which can impact firefighters' availability to attend other emergencies such as property fires and road traffic collisions.

Their warning for people to make sure they avoid the risks of wildfires comes as the county prepares for its 'busiest summer ever', with thousands of visitors due to descend on the coast for 'staycations' this summer.

Dorset Council has already announced plans to cope with the huge crowds, and avoid issues faced last year, including seeking a ban on the use of disposable barbecues in high-risk fire areas.

DWFRS crews dealt with 446 wildfire call-outs last year - including the huge operation at Wareham Forest, which is believed to have been sparked by an discarded disposable barbecue.

More than 150 firefighters were involved in tackling the huge blaze last May, which destroyed around 550 acres of heathland of Wareham Forest and cost around £80,000 of taxpayers' money to clean up.

DWFRS group manager Darren Langdown said: "Fires take a great deal of resources to bring under control, which can impact the availability of fire appliances for property call outs, road traffic collisions, assisting our colleagues during the coronavirus pandemic, and other emergencies.

"We're asking the public to be vigilant and follow some simple steps to help reduce the chance of a wildfire in the countryside."

With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, up to six people or two households can now meet outdoors.

Firefighters are asking the public to avoid having barbecues on heathland or in open spaces, and urging smokers to ensure they extinguish cigarettes properly - and not throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.

Bonfires should be sited well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures, and a garden hose should always be to hand in case the fire starts to get out of control.

People are also being warned never to use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to start a bonfire, and not leave bottles or glass in woodlands.

Mr Langdown said: "If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately. Early detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire."