A fire in Wareham Forest which was tackled by crews from across Dorset, including firefighters from Wareham and Swanage, is believed to have been started deliberately.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 2.50 pm on Saturday 4th July 2026 to say there was a heathland fire just off Bere Road near Wareham, not far from The Angel pub formerly known as The Silent Woman Inn.
Swanage firefighters in action
“We believe the fire was started deliberately”
With the dry conditions and the risk of the fire spreading quickly, 13 fire stations were involved in the incident.
A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
“Crews from Wareham, Redhill Park, Christchurch, Westbourne, Wimborne, Swanage and Springbourne attended along with lightweight off-road vehicles from Bere Regis, Swanage, Hamworthy, Poole, three water carriers from Poole, Wareham and Ringwood and a command unit from Gillingham.
“Firefighters used multiple hose reel jets and main lines to extinguish.
“The incident was then scaled back to four relief appliances from Sturminster Newton, Dorchester, Shaftesbury and Ferndown and the stop came in at 5.49 pm.
“We believe the fire was started deliberately.”
Bridport Fire Station’s water carrier provided vital water supplies to firefighters working in challenging conditions
“Busy responding to six fires”
For Swanage firefighters this was just another in a series of fires they have been called to recently. Posting on social media Swanage Fire Station put out an appeal for new recruits:
“Over the last two days both of our off road appliances have been very busy responding to six fires including a large fire in Wareham Forest.
“We are actively recruiting more people, so if you are looking for a paid role and live/work in Swanage then do get in touch.”
This was the sixth callout for Swanage firefighters in two days
Amber wildfire alert
With the temperature set to rise, an amber wildfire alert has been issued for Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th July 2026 reminding residents, along with day trippers and holidaymakers, to enjoy the region’s open spaces responsibly and not to use disposable barbecues on or near heathland.
However at the start of summer 2026, an appeal was also made to the public asking everyone to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously on the Purbeck Heaths, following a series of arson attacks in 2025.
Firefighters have been patrolling heathland and asking everyone to be vigilant of suspicious activity
“We will be conducting patrols in these areas”
Speaking in May 2026, Inspector Adam Gill, of Dorset Police, said:
“We are committed to working with all our partners to keep our communities safe and this includes working with the fire service and other agencies to protect our heathlands and other sensitive environments.
“We will be conducting patrols in these areas as part of a coordinated response effort with partners to provide an increased presence and we will thoroughly investigate any incidents where fires are reported to have been started deliberately.
“Members of the public can also assist by reporting any suspicious activity around heathland areas to us.”
Further information
- Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour, small fires, or discarded ignition materials is urged to report it to Dorset Police, or to call 999 in an emergency. To report anonymously call CrimeStoppers 0800 555 111
