Bourne Valley Park Blaze: Fire Engulfs Area, Response Underway

Arson Suspected: Fire Service Confirms Deliberate Ignition

Sixty people dialled 999 to report the blaze at Bourne Valley Nature Reserve shortly after 15:00 BST on Monday. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that the fire is believed to have been started deliberately.

"We do believe that was deliberate as well," said area manager Ant Bholah, referencing both this fire and a similar incident near Wareham days earlier.

Dorset Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for information. Detective Inspector Darren Stanton said: "Thankfully, nobody was injured, but these types of fires can have devastating consequences."

7.5 Acres of Heathland Destroyed; Hotspots Force Return

The fire destroyed approximately 7.5 acres (3 hectares) of heathland at the nature reserve. Crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service initially brought the blaze under control, but an inspection on Tuesday morning revealed more hotspots, forcing a return to the scene.

Area manager Ant Bholah explained the challenging conditions: "We've had warm, dry, breezy weather, the dry ground. Any ignition, whether accidental or deliberate, can spread quickly across the heathland."

• About 7.5 acres of heathland were destroyed.
• Crews returned on Tuesday after additional hotspots were detected.
• The fire occurred at Bourne Valley Nature Reserve in Poole, Dorset.

Recent History of Deliberate Fires: Wareham Blaze Cited

This incident comes just days after another deliberate heath fire near Wareham, which required crews and equipment from 13 stations to tackle. The repeated arson attacks have frustrated local fire authorities.

"Unfortunately we do get a number of fires that are started deliberately," Bholah said. "The one at Wareham we do believe was such a case."

The pattern of deliberate fires in the region's heathlands underscores a persistent problem. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 999.

• Days earlier, a deliberate heath fire near Wareham was tackled by crews from 13 stations.
• Area manager Ant Bholah expressed frustration over the recurring deliberate fires.
• The incident underscores a pattern of arson in the region's heathlands.

Key Takeaways

• The Bourne Valley Nature Reserve fire is believed to have been started deliberately.
• About 7.5 acres of heathland were destroyed, with hotspots requiring follow-up response.
• Sixty emergency calls were made within minutes of the blaze starting at 15:00 BST on Monday.
• Dorset Police are actively investigating and appealing for public information.
• This fire follows a similar deliberate blaze near Wareham, highlighting a concerning trend of arson in heathland areas.
• The community and local authorities remain on high alert for further incidents.