Investigation Underway After Blaze at Bournemouth International Centre
Overview
An investigation is underway following a fire at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) on Monday evening, which Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service now believe was started deliberately.
Emergency services were called to Exeter Road shortly after 7.30pm on 4 August, after reports of a fire affecting the external part of the building.
Three fire crews from Springbourne, Westbourne, and Redhill Park, along with an aerial ladder platform, were deployed to the scene. Firefighters used two hose reel jets and a large ventilation fan to tackle the blaze and clear smoke.
In an update, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that the fire had impacted a small section of the external roof fascia, with smoke entering the building through a window.
By 8.48pm, crews had brought the fire under control, remaining on site until approximately 9.30pm to carry out damping down operations.
Arrest Made as Investigation Launched
On Tueday morning, fire investigators confirmed that the blaze is being treated as suspected arson. Dorset Police have since arrested a suspect in connection with the incident.
A spokesperson for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
We believe the fire to have been started deliberately, and an arrest has been made by Dorset Police. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”
No injuries were reported, and the building was empty at the time, with no public events scheduled for the evening.
Public Reassurance
Dorset Police have urged the public not to speculate as enquiries continue. Officers are working alongside fire investigators to establish a motive and whether there is any wider risk to the public.
