Fire Risk

As everyone on Poundbury will be aware, there is currently a very heightened fire risk as a result of the drought. Throughout Dorset there have been numerous incidents of not only field and heathland fires, but also domestic events where fire has spread dramatically from seemingly innocent activity, placing people and property in considerable danger. The Duchy of Cornwall have only this week had to address a number of encampments in thickets on the southern side of the development, where there is evidence of campfires. Had fire spread from that area, the implications could have been serious.

The emergency services have been reacting extremely efficiently, but are inevitably reliant on responsible behaviour by all parties to keep the threat contained. Open fires of any type, particularly bonfires and campfires, pose an unacceptable danger to the community and likewise even use of BBQ’s in the current conditions needs to be carefully considered and managed. Acceptance of this approach by Poundbury as a whole, alongside vigilant reporting of any fires, will hopefully contain the risk. Please do report fires immediately, using 999 – Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service would much rather be told soonest, even if it transpires to be a false alarm.