A spate of intentional fires started across two Somerset villages has caused alarm this week, as the police have issued a statement on the "reckless and dangerous" behaviour.
Fires started in the neighbouring villages of Norton-sub-Hamdon and Stoke-sub-Hamdon this week have caused swift condemnation by parish councils and emergency services.
Local parents are being urged to to talk to their children about the dangers of wild fires during the hot summer weather, as a police investigation continues.
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Police reports were made after a fire was reported at Stoke-sub-Hamdon recreation ground in the early evening on Monday August 24, which was fortunately put out by members of the public.
It's the second time the popular spot has been hit by fire-starters in a matter of days, following earlier reports of a young teen attempting to start a fire at the public park just after 9.10pm on Saturday August 15.
Later on Monday, August 24, a suspected intentional fire was also reported at around 8.45pm at Blackspir Hill near Norton-sub-Hamdon, with fire services quickly attending the scene and taking control of the blaze.
It is not known if the fire incidents are linked.
Stoke-sub-Hamdon fire threatens new £180k skate park
A spokesperson for Stoke-sub-Hamdon Parish Council said: "Around half past 6 [Monday August 24] in Stoke Sub Hamdon recreation ground, which is run on behalf of the council by a trust, near one of our newly installed skate park which cost nearly £180,000, a group of around six kids were seen lighting fires on the ground.
"Fortunately a couple of residents were walking through the grounds and were able to put the fire out before they spread too far, they could have caused a huge amount of damage as it's very dry.
It's the second incident we had in about 10 days, again that was stopped in its tracks."
"A lot of people volunteer and put a lot of work in to provide a high-class, maintained and safe facility on behalf of the youth of the village and the surrounding areas, there's a huge amount of investment money and time that goes into that.
"We're very concerned that the audience were trying to support with that investment, the younger generation, are the ones trying to cause damage to it."
Police investigating after fire causes damage
Avon and Somerset Police said: "The Parish Council has reported fire damage at Stoke-sub-Hamdon recreation ground.
"In an online report this week they told officers the fire happened at about 8.30pm on Monday 24 August, causing damage grass near the skate park.
"Thankfully members of the public put the fire out. Officers are reviewing CCTV and have positive lines of enquiry to follow up.
"Just a few days previously, on Saturday 15 August, officers were called to the area by a member of the public who called 101 just after 9.10pm to report seeing a young person trying to start a fire.
"They said the boy, described as in his early teens, ran off on being challenged.
"Patrolling officers attended on the night but found no one in the area and no fire damage."
Police Sergeant calls out "reckless and dangerous behaviour"
Neighbourhood Sergeant Alison Loker said: "We're grateful to members of the public who have already contacted us with information about these incidents.
"I'd ask anyone with footage or information who has get to come forward to get in touch.
"We've seen the devastating impact of grass fires on communities and business locally and nationally.
"This behaviour is reckless and dangerous. We'd ask parents and carers to speak to their children before someone is seriously hurt."
Sgt Loker added that neighbourhood officers patrol plans routinely include the recreation ground. Anyone with information is asked to contact police with the reference 5226245831.
Fire services attend nearby blaze at Norton-sub-Hamdon
Fire services were called to a blaze at nearby Norton-sub-Hamdon also in the evening of Monday August 24, which is believed to have been started deliberately.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Fire Service said: "We were called to a fire in a field near Higher Street, Norton-sub-Hamdon, at 8.45am last night and sent two appliances.
"There was a fire involving an area of grassland 50m x 50m and crews used beaters and hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.
"We believe it was started deliberately."
It is understood that the fire services did not attend the earlier incident at Stoke-sub-Hamdon, which was not reported to them at the time.
Parish council urge anyone with information to contact the police
Norton-sub-Hamdon Parish Council said: "[The council] was made aware of a fire at approximately 8.45pm on Monday 24 August 2026, in a field at the rear of Higher Street on Blackspir Hill, which is visible from the A356 when travelling from Crewkerne towards Norton.
Local residents promptly contacted the Fire and Rescue Service, who attended quickly and successfully brought the fire under control.
"Fortunately, the prevailing wind was carrying the fire away from nearby properties, and the iconic tree at the top of Blackspir Hill was also thankfully saved."
The spokesperson added: "The Parish Council would like to thank the local residents who raised the alarm and the Fire and Rescue Service for their prompt attendance and for bringing the fire under control."
"Anyone who may have witnessed anything unusual or suspicious in the area around the time of the incident, or who may have information that could assist in establishing what happened, is encouraged to contact the Police."
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