A series of fires close to the Perrenco UK oil and gas site at Wytch Farm near Corfe Castle in Dorset are thought to have been deliberately started, according to police.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service, who were first on site, contacted the police at around 7.25 pm on Sunday 9th March 2025 to inform them that a barn had been set on fire at Wytch Farm in Thrashers Lane.
Purbeck police are asking whether anyone saw any suspicious activity in Thrashers Lane on the night of the incidents
Seven fires all on one night
It was further reported that another six fires were started that evening in woodland and heathland in the surrounding area.
Fortunately, the fire service was able to control and extinguish the fires quickly and no injuries were reported.
Police officers are now appealing for information as they investigate the series of arson incidents in Purbeck.
Police constable William Saunders, of Purbeck police, said:
“Fires such as these could have very easily got out of control and spread to a larger area and so it was very fortunate that the fire service was able to put out these fires as quickly as they did.
“Unfortunately, the fire to the barn has meant that the owners have incurred costs of over £30,000 to have it repaired and we are continuing to investigate these incidents.
“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area to please contact us.
“We believe that the perpetrators may have been using a bike or vehicle when starting these fires so I would ask anyone who was driving in the immediate area at the time this occurred to please review their dashcams to see if they have captured any footage which may aid our investigation.”
Contact Dorset Police
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55250033691.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
