With summer on the way, we have lighter evenings and hopefully warmer weather, so it’s likely that many of us will want to get out in the garden and perhaps have a bonfire.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is now reminding people to remember the importance of fire safety when outdoors.

Bonfires are very common during the summer, but they can get out of control very easily. If you want to burn off garden waste, please follow the safety advice, and never use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to start a bonfire.

• Site any bonfire well away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures.
• Have a garden hose to hand in case the fire starts to get out of control.
• Don’t light a bonfire on a windy day, as it could flare up more than you expect.
• Be courteous to your neighbours – if you’re planning a substantial bonfire, let them know, and stay with it at all times to ensure that it remains safe.
• If you’re intending to have a large bonfire, please complete the DWFRS on-line form – emergency calls are often made by people who can see lots of smoke, and it helps the 999 operators to know where this could be a controlled burn.

Please also take extra care when out and about during the summer months:

• Avoid having open fires or using barbecues in the countryside. Disposable barbecues and campfires are actually banned in many areas.

• Extinguish smoking materials properly, and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows – take your litter home.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, call 999 immediately, as early detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire incident. Be sure of the fire location - apps such as What3Words can help if you’re not sure.
• If you’re at the beach, don’t set off flares, have campfires or light barbecues, as these can easily lead to gorse and foliage on the cliffs catching fire.

For more information on fire safety, visit www.dwfire.org.uk