Dorset Police are investigating after fire damaged nearly two hectares of heath and scrubland at Holton Heath near Wareham in Dorset.
Fire crews from across the county including from Swanage and Wareham were called to tackle the blaze which was started just before 6 pm on Thursday 3rd July 2025 just off Blackhill Road.
In the tinder dry conditions, the fire spread quickly
Fire burned deep in the peat soil
On arrival, the crews found multiple fires in the area.
Throughout the night and into Friday 4th July 2025 the firefighters worked hard to extinguish the flames, hampered by the fire continuing to burn deep into the peat soil.
During the afternoon, one area of the fire was under control but other areas were still being tackled. By 9 pm the incident was able to be scaled back to two appliances and two support vehicles.
The remaining crews continued into the night on Friday 4th July 2025 to dampen down the hotspots using a hose reel jet and beaters.
Multiple fires had been started across the area
40 firefighters from Dorset and Hampshire
At the height of the incident, there were approximately 40 firefighters at the scene and in total 18 different appliances, two off-road Unimogs and 10 support vehicles.
As well as crews from Swanage and Wareham, there were also teams from Hamworthy, Poole, Westbourne, Springbourne, Christchurch, Wimborne, Bere Regis, Redhill Park, Charmouth, Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Bridport, Sherborne, Verwood, Weymouth, Ludgershall and Ringwood.
The blaze was difficult to bring under control as the fire continued under the peat soil
“If you see anything suspicious while out and about, please report it”
A spokesperson from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
“The cause is believed to be deliberate, and we are working closely with our colleagues at Dorset Police.
“An amber wildfire alert is still in place and conditions remain very dry, so please take care and if you see anything suspicious while out and about, please report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or, in an emergency please call 999.
“We want to say thank you to Wessex Rescue’s drone team who have been working with us to help get the fire under control.”
Hotspots were dampened down throughout the evening
Further information
- More on staying safe during warm weather can be found on the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service website
