Dorset is becoming a no-go area for barbecue and bonfires with a new public spaces protection order (PSPO), which came into force this month.

It prevents people lighting fires, including barbecues, fireworks, lanterns and campfires in many areas across Dorset.

Dorset Council is working with Forestry England and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to protect countryside area including heathlands, forests, and coastlines from the devastation that unattended naked flames can cause.

Just over two years ago 220 hectares of heath and forest was destroyed by a wildfire at Wareham Forest. Started by discarded disposable barbecues, the fire blazed for three weeks and took 150 firefighters and four million litres of water to extinguish. It will take decades for the area to regenerate.

Over the last two years there have also been a series of injuries and safety concerns caused by barbecues used along the coastline and public spaces.

Councillor Laura Beddow, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for culture, communities and customer services, said: "There is no reason to start a fire on a heathland or in a forest. They can get out of control very quickly, destroy important habitats and kill many species of animals and plants. If you must eat, take a sandwich and bring the packaging home with you."

Dorset Council and its partners are working together to help ensure that all visitors are aware of the new law and the reasons for it. Anyone found to be breaking the new restrictions will be liable for a £100 fine and all banned items will be confiscated.

There is clear signage at the areas where the PSPO applies. These areas can also be seen here.

Mark Warn, wildlife ranger for Forestry England in Dorset, said: "Dorset is a special place, it's heathlands and forests are a real haven for wildlife. They are home to some of the UK's rarest wildlife and are outstanding places to visit and connect with nature. Let's keep them this way by not lighting fires and bringing a picnic instead."

Group manager Charlie Pack, of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Fire can spread with devastating speed and every year we see large areas of our beautiful countryside destroyed. In far too many cases, this is down to people not taking care with campfires or barbecues, 

"We can all play our part in protecting our heathlands and open spaces, so we are urging people to #BringAPicnicNotABBQ when out and about, and to avoid anything involving a naked flame."

Litter Free Dorset is continuing its campaign for businesses to choose to remove disposable barbecues from sale and to encourage people not to use disposable barbecues. Find out more at litterfreedorset.co.uk