Stronger Government action on portable barbecues is being called for by Dorset Council.

Climate portfolio holder Cllr Ray Bryan will this week be writing what he describes as 'a strong letter' to Dorset MPs and the Minister asking for legislation which could prevent further damage to the county's heathland from disposable barbecues.

A ban already exists on council-owned and Forestry Commission land in the county – which came into being after a devastating fire at Wareham Forest which started on May 18, 2020 near Sugar Hill, with evidence of both a disposable barbecue and a campfire in the area.

More than 150 firefighters were initially called in, roads were closed and power lines affected with the smoke detectable as far away as Bournemouth and Ferndown.

It was not until June 4th that fire crews were finally able to leave the scene, with warnings from experts that it could take wildlife a decade to recover.

More than 70 fire applianced had to be brought in as the blaze spread with the total cost to the fire service put at more than £500,000.