Firefighters extinguish abandoned campfire in Wareham Forest

The crew from Wareham Fire Station had to put out a campfire that had been left to burn in Wareham Forest.

A fire engine and the off road Unimog vehicle were called out to the incident at 3.43 pm on Friday 12th November 2021.

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Warnings not to light fires

This follows warnings for people not to light fires or disposable barbecues in the forest, where flames can spread quickly.

This was witnessed in 2020 when more than 220 hectares of Wareham Forest and its residing wildlife were destroyed after a group of people lit disposable barbecues and a campfire in the wood.

The fires weren’t properly put out before they left and the fire spread quickly across heath and woodland, leading to a major incident being declared.

Wareham Forest Fire
Swanage Fire Station

Wareham Forest Fire in 2020

“We do not want another forest fire!”

Unmissable signs warning against lighting fires or disposable barbecues are now displayed throughout the forest, which is managed by Forestry England.

Wareham Fire Station reported:

“The campfire was left unattended and was slowly getting bigger. Please do not have camp fires. We do not want another forest fire!”

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