Appeal for information after suspicious heath fire near Wareham

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward following a suspicious heath fire near Wareham.

Dorset Police received a report at around 4pm on Saturday 4 July 2026 that a fire had broken out on heathland in Bere Road, in the Coldharbour area.

Emergency services attended the scene and the fire was dealt with. Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries.

Detectives are now working alongside the fire service to establish how the blaze started and are treating the circumstances as suspicious.

Detective Inspector Darren Stanton, of Dorset County CID, said: “We are working with the fire service to establish how this fire was started.

“I would urge anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area during the afternoon of Saturday 4 July 2026 to please get in touch.”

How to help

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area, or who has any information that could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260100393.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.