THREE fires believed to have been began intentionally, have destroyed wildlife at heathlands throughout Bournemouth, prompting a warning from the RSPCA.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) tackled three fires throughout Bourne Valley Nature Reserve, Talbot Heath, and Turbary Common.
Firefighters from stations in Redhill, Westbourne, Poole, Wimborne, Christchurch, Hamworthy, Ferndown and Wareham all rushed to sort out the blazes.
The days after the incidents revealed heathland on one of many hilltops had been left charred, severely broken and the scent of smoke was nonetheless lingering.
In whole, 58 firefighters tackled the trio of fires throughout the weekend of April 6.
As a results of the fires, hectares of land had been destroyed together with a lot wildlife within the space.
Residents walking within the nature reserve described their disappointment at yet one more fireplace on the heathland.
A spokesperson for the RSPCA stated: “Unfortunately deliberate fires can pose a great risk to the welfare of wild animals, particularly species that will struggle to get away in time such as hedgehogs, reptiles, and amphibians.
“Sadly, such animals can be burnt to death in fires like these.
“Fire not only kills wildlife but will also displace surviving animals from their territory, creating problems such as territorial disputes when they move on to new areas.
“The habitats affected by these fires are rare, and home to endangered animals such as sand lizards and smooth snakes.
“Species that live in dens, burrows, and warrens can become trapped by the flames and smoke and die of suffocation.
“This is a particularly bad time of year; with juvenile animals being born and still very young, many will not be able to escape fires.
“Nestlings, fledglings, ground-nesting birds, and juvenile bats will be at significant risk as they will not be able to fly away and may become trapped in burning trees or other vegetation. Juvenile deer stay hidden in grass until they can keep up with their mother and so will also be in danger from these kinds of fire.”
Dorset Police stated its enquiries into the matter are ongoing and native officers might be conducting elevated patrols within the space.
