VISITORS to Dorset's heaths are being urged to remain vigilant, in a bid to combat possible wildfires.

Despite rain forecast for the next few days, the recent hot spell has left huge swathes of heathland tinder dry, say firefighters.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) station manager Stuart Granger said: "Fires in the summer on heathlands can have devastating effects on the wildlife and vegetation - they can take up to 25 years to recover.

"These fires can in the right conditions travel as fast as an Olympic sprinter.

"Arson is the biggest threat to heathland wildlife. Deliberate and accidental fires can destroy whole colonies of wildlife."

Mr Granger was speaking after DWFRS used social media to highlight the damage caused during the St Catherine's Hill heath fire last year.

An area roughly equivalent in size to 100 football pitches was destroyed in the blaze, near Christchurch, which was believed to have been started deliberately.

Around 80 firefighters tackled the fire, which at its height included flames that leapt up to 35 ft into the air.

However, although arson is a cause of many heathland fires, it is not the only cause.

Many fires start accidentally due to carelessness on the part of visitors.

Mr Granger said: "Be careful with cigarette butts and do not use disposable BBQs on heaths. People need to be aware of the risks to the heath and potential house fires.

"If you see a fire or anti-social behaviour being committed on a heathland get to safety and call the police and fire service using 999."

Visit dwfire.org.uk to find out more about fire safety and education.