Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to take extra care in the countryside and near open water during the coming days of hot and dry weather.
With a potential heatwave expected, fire crews are warning that the risk of wildfires is significantly increased, especially on heathlands, open fields and coastal cliffs.
Group Manager Jim Weston said the dry ground and vegetation create the perfect conditions for fires to spread quickly.
He urged people to follow safety advice and avoid lighting barbecues or campfires in vulnerable areas.
Disposable barbecues and open flames are banned in many parts of Dorset. The fire service is reminding residents and visitors not to use them outdoors, especially in the countryside or at the beach. The public are also being advised to fully extinguish cigarettes and never throw them from car windows.
If a fire is spotted, people should get to a safe place, call 999 and provide an accurate location using apps like What3Words if necessary. Fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water should be left alone.
Garden bonfires can also pose a risk, particularly on windy days. The fire service recommends keeping bonfires well away from buildings and fences, having water on hand and avoiding lighting fires in strong wind.
With the warm weather encouraging people to cool off in lakes and rivers, there’s a reminder of the dangers of swimming in open water. People should never swim alone, avoid jumping into unfamiliar water and be aware of cold water shock.
Anyone seeing someone in trouble in the water is urged not to enter themselves, but to call 999 and ask for the coastguard if at the coast, or the fire service if inland.
Further safety advice is available at dwfire.org.uk.