The August bank holiday weekend is traditionally a time for barbecues but Litter Free Dorset has released a video warning that barbecues burn more than bangers, following the devastating fire in Wareham Forest this year.
In the hard hitting film, Wareham Fire Station crew take a starring role to show the severe impact and damage that can be caused as a result of a heathland wildfire.
The Wareham Forest fire was started accidentally on 18th May 2020 by a campfire and disposable barbecues, resulting in the destruction of 220 hectares of woodland and heathland.
Over 250 firefighters including the crew from Swanage
In the first two weeks, over 250 firefighters including the crew from Swanage, worked day and night to extinguish the fire and damp down any hot spots and flare ups. The cost of the operation to the fire service was an estimated half a million pounds.
To supply the quantity of water required to bring the fire under control, a river was pumped from five miles away and a helicopter previously used by South Wales Fire Rescue Services dropped water over the area in scenes more reminiscent of the Australian outback.
The habitat will take decades to recover completely
Not only did the raging fire kill many rare species of plants and animals, it also disrupted local businesses surrounding Wareham Forest and polluted the air quality as far away as Southampton. Forestry England has said that the area’s habitat will take decades to recover completely.
Litter Free Dorset is a group of local organisations, charities and community groups that work together to reduce litter across Dorset and it’s running a campaign to remind holiday makers, visitors and residents alike to use and dispose of single-use disposable barbecues responsibly this summer.
“Why not pack a picnic instead?”
A spokesperson from Litter Free Dorset said:
“The message is clear and simple, stop having barbecues and campfires in the countryside, and if you want to barbecue, have it at home. If you’re out in the countryside, why not pack a picnic instead?”
