FEARS that it is only a matter of time before someone is killed in a heathland fire have prompted residents to volunteer as wardens.

A new initiative has been launched to tackle the issues surrounding heathland fires in North Bournemouth.

Each year large areas of heath are destroyed by arsonists and now members of the public are working with Redhill Fire Station, providing in-depth local knowledge to ensure they protect the most vulnerable areas first in the event of a fire.

Each warden has been trained so that, in the event of a fire, they are better equipped to help the emergency services, share their local knowledge and use equipment provided by the project.

Station manager for Redhill Park, Tim Spring, said: "It is a real fear of the emergency services that someone will be killed, or that one of the adjoining properties will be lost, and we are acting now before that threat becomes a reality.

"All members are easily identifiable as they have Day-Glo waste coats marked 'Volunteer Warden'.

"The local knowledge that these volunteers have is invaluable to the service.

"On arrival at the scene, it will allow fire officers to protect the most valuable areas right from the outset.

"The wardens can also advise the service on the best access points onto the heath for any particular incident.

"The project has allowed the service to work more closely with other people who have an interest in protecting the heathland and we are hoping to significantly reduce the damage done by fire in the years to come."

Heathland areas such as Turbary Park and Kinson Common are designated sites of special scientific interest and are home to several rare species of animals and plants.

The wardens initiative has formed part of a larger project co-ordinated by Bournemouth Borough Council entitled Safer Green Spaces.

First published: May 13