EMERGENCY services have warned of the "extreme risk of fire" due to BBQs in the New Forest.
Visitors to the national park have been told that BBQs are not allowed, Forestry England has announced.
It comes following a series of fires sparked by BBQs not being put out properly, say police.
Meanwhile, officers are investigating other fires believed to have been started intentionally.
A post on the Waterside Cops Facebook page said: "Our colleagues at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, based at Hardley have been deployed to a number of fires in the forest recently.
"Some of these have been set deliberately and the team are actively investigating these incidents and we will update you soon about these.
"Some however have been the result of BBQs not being extinguished properly.
"Please remember the New Forest is now a no BBQ and fire zone – BBQs and campfires are no longer permitted in car parks or other areas of the forest managed by Forestry England and all BBQ facilities have been removed at their sites.
"Protecting the New Forest from the risk of wildfires is everyone’s responsibility.
"New signage and posters are visible throughout the forest to educate visitors and tourists."
The Daily Echo has contacted Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service for more information.
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