Upton and Canford fires: emergency services confirm 'human intervention'

They haven't yet ruled out malicious intent

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 4th Apr 2025

Fire crews have confirmed two blazes in Dorset this week have been triggered by what they are calling 'human intervention'.

It comes as today (4 April), bosses at Moors Valley Country Park have confirmed the site has now reopened after the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service were called just after 2pm on Tuesday to reports of a fire in the open.

The message from emergency services, though, is that there is currently an Amber wildfire alert in place for the Service area.

They are also urging people to take extra care while enjoying open spaces in the sunshine.

Read more: Moors Valley Country Park reopens after blaze

In a statement sent to us, officers say: “Both the Upton and Canford heath fires were down to human intervention, but we’ve not yet been able to establish whether that was malicious or accidental.

"The investigation will remain open for now.”

Read more: Blaze breaks out on Dorset nature reserve

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