The risk of fire in Wiltshire has rocketed, after 180 fires were recorded in 10 days- resulting in a red fire severity alert.

It has been described as an "unprecedented increase" in fires in the open in August by the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and rescue service.

More than 180 fires in 10 days

Rescuers attended 180 fires in the open from August 1 – 10 this year.

But in the same period last year, the service dealt with only 34 incidents of this nature- showing a rise of over 429%.

A red alert means that, should a wildfire be experienced, it could spread quickly and easily due to the dry conditions.

The risk is greatest on large areas of open land, such as heathlands, fields and even cliffsides.

Group Manager Stuart Gillion said: “After months of warm and dry weather, our countryside areas are tinder-dry.

“This not only increases the risk of fires spreading quickly but also increases the risk of ignition .

“We are urging local farmers to take extra care, as sparks from hot machinery can easily lead to a field catching fire, and we ask everyone enjoying our beautiful countryside and coastline to take extra care and be vigilant with anything that could lead to a fire starting.”

The fire service have also set out a number of tips to help people stay safe:

  • Please avoid having open fires or using barbecues in the countryside. Disposable barbecues and campfires are actually banned in many parts of Dorset.
  • 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, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Early detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire incident.

When calling the Fire & Rescue Service:

  • Get to a safe place
  • note the fire location (apps such as What3Words can help if you’re not sure)
  • call 999
  • meet the Fire & Rescue Service at the access point.
  • Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
  • 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.