WATCH: Two teenagers set fire to grass near school

One man, out walking his dogs at around 4pm on Friday, August 5, saw two teenagers playing with hay in a field opposite a school. 

He said: “I was walking my dogs when I saw two kids burning things in the field. I ran up to them and they ran away, but I used my foot to put out the fire.

“I started filming them and yelling at them as I went to put the fire out.

Fire damage caused by the teenagers

“Starting fires anywhere, especially in a dry field, is a risk to others. The kids thought it was funny and they were laughing as they ran away.” 

The fire brigade was not needed at the incident in Wimborne, Dorset, but the dogwalker believes the incident could have been a lot worse had he not stopped the fire.

On Thursday, a red fire severity alert – the highest level possible – was issued for Dorset and Wiltshire, meaning fires could spread quickly and easily due to the dry conditions.  

Fire reported in field near Eye Bridge in Wimborne. Picture: Wimborne Fire Station

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

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has attended 180 fires in the open in the first 10 days of August. This is a 429 per cent increase on the same period last year. 

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s group manager Stuart Gillion said: “Wildfires can ravish the local wildlife, destroying ecosystems in a matter of hours that have taken years to build up.  

Firefighters have dealt with a large number of open fires this year. Picture: Wareham Fire Station

“If a wildfire encroaches upon farmland, then crops and farm buildings can be consumed, and homes that border heathland can also be at risk.  At their worst, wildfires can cause death or injury to people.  

“A developed wildfire creates its own wind, which drives it at speeds faster than people can get out of its way. 

He added: “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 asking everyone enjoying our beautiful countryside and coastline to take extra care and be vigilant with anything that could lead to a fire starting.”