DORSET Police are stepping up their patrols after a "deliberate" fire was started on Town Common heathland on Monday.

Police are investigating the causes of the incident after Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire was started deliberately, suspected to be arson.

Over 75 firefighters tackled the blaze on Tuesday which affected 3.2 hectares of heath.

One lane of the A338 southbound was closed for almost seven hours as huge plumes of smoke billowed across the carriageway.

A police statement said: "Following contact with the fire service, Dorset Police is investigating the causes of this incident and our enquiries are ongoing. Officers will also be proactively increasing patrols in the area.

"Operation Heathland sees Dorset Police work with partners from the Urban Heaths Partnership with the aim of reducing incidents of heathland damage, anti-social behaviour and fire by prevention and detection."

The fire service took almost 150 emergency 999 calls relating to the blaze and although the exact cause of the fire is unknown, arson is suspected to be the cause.

Twelve fire engines, five 4x4 Land Rover pumps, a 4x4 unimog and two water carriers dealt with the fire at Town Common during its height.

Area Manager Craig Baker, who attended the scene, said: “This was a significant fire, requiring a lot of firefighting resources, and the smoke was very intense for some hours, which is why the A338 was partly closed. Our thanks go to our partner agencies who supported us during the incident, and also to affected drivers for their patience while we tackled this fire.”

He added: “With a period of hot, dry weather being forecast, we would urge people to take real care when enjoying the sunshine in our beautiful countryside. If you do want a campfire or barbecue, please make sure that you’re in a safe area and that the ashes are fully extinguished and damped down before you leave."

The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) jointly manages the land and they say the damage will mean wildlife cannot live on the that part of the heathland for approximately 15 years.

They say the fire destroyed habitats that will need to mature before they are inhabitable for wildlife.

ARC say that they will be working in the coming days to rescue up to 100 wildlife that may have been affected by the fire.