Witness appeal following heath fire in Poole

Officers working with the fire service to investigate the cause of a large heath fire in Poole are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to come forward.

Dorset Police received a report at 6.19pm on Saturday 23 April 2022 in relation to a large heath fire on Canford Heath. It was reported that the fire service was in attendance and officers attended to assist with ensuring the safety of members of the public.

Road closures were put in place and approximately 20 homes in the area of Marshwood Avenue, Culliford Crescent and Pilsdon Drive were evacuated as a precaution as the fire service tackled the blaze. We liaised with local partners and Ashdown Leisure Centre was set up as a local evacuation centre for displaced residents.

Following liaison with the fire service, the residents were allowed to return to their homes at around 10pm.
There were no reports of any injuries as a result of the fire.

Sergeant Fern Graham, of the Poole Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This fire has caused damage to a significant area of heathland and we are continuing to liaise with the fire service to establish the cause, which remains undetermined at this time.

“I would urge anyone who was in the Canford Heath area on the afternoon of Saturday 23 April 2022 and has any information as to how the fire might have started to please make contact with us. I would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured footage on dashcams or mobile phones that might assist our investigation.

“Finally, can I just issue a message of thanks, firstly to the fire service for their efforts in fighting the fire, but also members of the local community who provided assistance and support to those at the scene, as well as the local leisure centre that opened its doors to displaced residents.”