Date: 5th April, 2025
Firefighters are asking the public and residents, if they know where their children and family members are after another wildfire overnight at Moors Valley Country Park.
Firefighters from Verwood, Christchurch and Ringwood (Hampshire and Isle of Wight FRS) were called at 00:54 this morning (5th April). Security on site called them to a small area of forest alight, approx. 25m x 50m. Crews used hose reels and beaters to extinguish the fire.
DWFRS Fire Investigation lead, Group Manager Shaun Milton said: “We are working hard with Forestry England, Dorset Police and other key partners to try to stop these fires from occurring. But I am frustrated to have had to go back to the forest last night to witness the mindless destruction of this beautiful habitat. However, whilst in the forest overnight I spotted an individual on their bike. This has been reported to the Police, but I would ask residents and parents to make sure they know where their children and family members are overnight. We are continuing to work with the police to establish the cause of the fires.”
Superintendent Claire Phillips, of Dorset Police, said: “We recognise the damage recent heath and forest fires have caused to the natural habitat as well as the risks they pose to members of the public in the area. We are fully committed to working with our colleagues in the fire service to establishing the causes of these fires, and where they are suspected to have been started deliberately, we will be carrying out a full investigation to identify those involved.
She added: “We would also urge members of the public to play their part by heeding warnings from the fire service in relation to refraining from having open fires or barbecues in these areas and also to make sure they report any suspicious activity to us.”
A spokesperson from Forestry England said: “Moors Valley County Park and Forest is open today, Saturday 5 April. There are some diversions in place and everyone visiting is asked to please respect and follow these. The security team spotted a fire overnight and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service responded quickly and were able to put it out. Our Rangers continue to monitor the site throughout the day and security patrols are in place overnight. We want to say a huge thank you to the local community for their continued support.”
Dorset Police received a report at 1.43am on Saturday 5 April 2025 from the fire service relating to a fire at Moors Valley Country Park. Officers attended to assist the fire service, who reported that a man on a bicycle had been seen in the area where the fire had started but left the scene when their crews arrived.
They are continuing to work with the fire service to establish the cause of this fire, as well as any others in the area, and will take further action if required. Dorset Police urge anyone with information relating to the cause of the fire to please report it to us.