Wind-swept flame from barbecue caused Stoborough heath fire

STRONG winds caused a barbecue flame to reach a nearby hedge as fire officials disclose the cause and issue warnings after the latest heath fire in Wareham.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has reminded people of the dangers of using naked flame near heathland following the fire at Stoborough Heath on Sunday, June 26.

Around a hectare of grassland, heath and gorse was affected by the blaze, which started accidentally when a portable ‘kettle drum’ barbecue was lit and the strong winds caused an adjacent hedge to catch alight.