Residents are urged to not ignore safety warnings and stay vigilant as the South of England is set to experience an Amber wildfire risk over the weekend.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said that with lockdown restrictions eased there will be an increase number of people looking to enjoy sunshine in the countryside at weekends.

The fire service warned that wildfires could be started from the likes of disposable barbecues, littered cigarettes and campfires and residents should be careful.

A DWFRS spokesman said: "DWFRS are issuing a strong warning to the public that worse could yet happen if people ignore the safety warnings."

This alert means that should there be a wildfire it could spread quickly and easily in dry and windy weather – as seen with the Wareham Forest incident earlier this year.

DWFRS are issuing a strong warning to the public that worse could yet happen if people ignore the safety warnings.

Group Manager Karen Adams said: “The devastation caused by Wareham Forest highlights just how easily a moment of carelessness can escalate."

“The cost of these types of fires to the countryside, the Service, and the public themselves is not something that should be taken lightly.”

“As such, we are asking for the public’s help in ensuring our resources can be used for the vital support of communities by not having campfires or using disposable barbecues in our forests and heathlands.

“Of course we understand people wanting to get out and enjoy the summer, but as a community, we cannot afford to lose any more of our natural habitat.

“We can only achieve this if everyone plays their part and take sensible precautions following the wildfire alert.”