A CONTROLLED burn near Tout Hill prompted a fire service call out earlier this afternoon.

Bere Regis Fire Station responded to the call at 12.50pm on Friday afternoon after reports of a fire in the open.

A spokesperson said: "If you are going to have a bonfire, or another type of controlled burning that will be visible to passers-by, please let them know."

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service say lots of false alarms they attend to are caused by bonfires - though they can easily get out of control. They describe such calls as 'a drain on our resources' that put 'both the public and firefighters at risk'.

If you plan on having a bonfire or large scale controlled burning you can let Fire Control know via an online webform or via 0306 799 019.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said: Wherever possible, please give us at least an hour’s notice of starting your burn.

"The minimum Control will want to know is the exact location of your fire, the times you are planning on letting the fire burn, and a contact number for you or whoever will be responsible for the site. This will help us to avoid mobilising crews to you unnecessarily."