FIREFIGHTERS were called after an abandoned barbecue was found still burning in a woodland area.

Firefighters from Wareham were called to the incident yesterday evening.

A spokesman for the station said: "One fire engine was sent to a woodland near Blue Pool where someone decided to have a BBQ and then left it burning.

"Thank you so much to the cyclist who called it in. If in doubt call 999."

As previously reported, emergency services in Dorset say that staffing issues and a high number of call-outs mean they are under strain and are urging the public to only call for help in an emergency on what they expect to be a busy weekend.

The ambulance service, Dorset Police and the county’s hospitals are currently under strain and this pressure is expected to continue to rise over the weekend with hot weather forecast and Dorset anticipated to be busy with an influx of visitors.

Representatives from the county’s emergency services met at a meeting of the Strategic Coordinating Group today to discuss how they can ensure the public continue to receive the help they need.

Strategic Coordinating Group Chair, Chief Constable James Vaughan, said: “Emergency services in Dorset are already under strain due to staff either testing positive for Covid-19 or having to self-isolate. With the good weather expected this weekend this pressure is going to increase so we are asking the public to help us by only calling if they really need emergency help.

“With this help we are confident we can ensure we have our resources in place to focus on meeting the anticipated high level of demand."