Canford Heath residents were evacuated from their homes on Saturday 23 April when a huge heath fire took hold.

A total of 15 fire engines from across the region attended the scene of the fire which began at the Francis Avenue end of the heath moving west and south towards Canford Heath Road, Culliford Crescent and Marchwood Avenue.

Dorset Police received the report at 6.19pm and subsequently road closures were put in place. 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.

Ashdown Leisure Centre was set up as a local evacuation centre.

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 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.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220063916. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.