Dorset Police news site

Officers are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following a series of heath fires in Purbeck.

Dorset Police received a report at 7.26pm on Saturday 28 March 2026 from the fire service, which was responding to reports of several heath fires in the Sandford area near Wareham.

At least three fires were identified in the area of the B3075 Morden Road and the Holton Heath Trading Park.

Officers attended to assist with road closures as the fires were extinguished and remained on scene until around 11.20pm.

Superintendent Andy Bell, of the Dorset County local policing command, said: “We are continuing to liaise with the fire service as enquiries are carried out into the cause of these fires and we are currently treating the incident as suspicious.

“Our investigation remains ongoing and we would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or who has any information that might assist our enquiries, to please contact us.

“We are fully aware not only of the damage that fires of this nature cause to the local environment, but also the risks they pose to people and property in the area.

“Throughout the warmer months we will be working proactively with the fire service as well as other partners through the Dorset Heaths Partnership, including local authorities, nature conservation groups and Wessex Rescue. Through this co-ordinated work we will look to provide an increased presence in and around our heathlands and other sensitive areas.

“We would also urge members of the public to abide by the safety advice provided by the fire service, particularly in relation to avoiding having open fires or using barbecues in the countryside, and to report any suspicious activity they see around heathlands to us immediately.”

Group Manager Wayne Jones, from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Last summer was one of the most challenging for wildfires that we've ever faced, so it’s incredibly frustrating to have had these suspicious fires. Incidents like these destroy wildlife, impact our local communities, and have a financial cost to the Service that we can’t afford.

“We would urge anyone who has information about these fires to contact the police. If you see a fire in the countryside, please report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service on 999. Early detection can prevent fires from developing into large wildfire incidents.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260044091. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.