Heath fire at Stephen's Castle in Verwood

For the fifth time since April fire crews were deployed to Verwood, this time after receiving a call at 3.49pm on Wednesday, August 31, of a heath blaze near Stephen’s Castle.

Crews from Cranborne, Ringwood, Verwood and Wimborne attended the scene along with 4×4 pumping appliances also from Verwood and Ringwood.

The fire, which involved an area of gorse and trees measuring approximately 60 metres by 30 metres, was extinguished using two main jets and two hose reel jets.

Firefighters remained on the scene into the evening, extinguishing any remaining hotspots from the blaze.

Heath fire at Stephen’s Castle in Verwood. Picture: Verwood Fire Station

In a social media post about the incident, Verwood Fire Station said there had been reports of anti-social behaviour around the area which included “deliberate fire setting”.

A station spokesperson said: “Can we take this opportunity to remind everyone that the vegetation is still very dry and fires will spread out of control very quickly.

“There has also been some reports of anti-social behaviour relating to deliberate fire setting in and around the recreation ground. This has been reported to the police.

“Please take care and help protect our amazing surroundings. If you see a fire, move to a safe area and report it via the 999 system.”