Police are hunting arsonists who started two large fires in Weymouth in the early hours – an act of vandalism which threatened homes.

Officers condemned the “reckless” actions of the yobs who they said could have endangered lives of Littlemoor residents when they set fire to areas of grassland behind Upwey railway station.

One house was evacuated for safety reasons.

Dorset Police said that at around 2am today, Tuesday, two areas of grassland were set alight near to Upwey station, near the footpath at the end of The Finches and Kestrel View.

Due to the dry ground and strong winds, the fires spread quickly and at least one property was evacuated while crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service tackled the blaze.

A police investigation has been launched and witnesses are being sought in a bid to catch the culprits.

Residents praised firefighters for working so quickly to tackle the blaze.

Dorset Echo:

DESTRUCTION: Area of land affected by the fire

Firefighters from Weymouth, Bridport, Maiden Newton and Bere Regis were involved in battling the flames.

A total of three fire engines and two 4x4 Land Rovers attended.

Firefighters found roughly 40 metres by 40 metres of grassland well alight.

A brigade spokesman said: “Crews managed to contain the fire very quickly and stop further spread. In all, four hose reel jets and seven beaters were used to extinguish the fire.

“After this, it was a case of damping down the area and checking for hot spots.”

Firefighters from Weymouth returned to the scene yesterday morning to check the area.

Dorset Echo:

INSPECTION: Fire engine near Upwey station as firefighters carry out checks on Tuesday morning

Detective Constable Sarah Desmond, of Weymouth CID, said: “These fires were started deliberately and were extremely reckless as they could they have endangered the lives of local residents had they not been extinguished so quickly.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious to please contact Dorset Police “From our early enquiries we have been informed that there was the sound of scrambler motorbikes shortly before the fires were first seen and I would urge anyone who may know who was riding these bikes to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting occurrence number 55180103169.

Dorset Echo:

TEAM: Firefighters leaving the scene after carrying out checks

RESIDENTS living close to where the fire broke out told of their shock.

Lisa Holmes of Reedling Close, said she called the fire brigade after being woken by the sound of the fire.

She explained: “I rang them at around 2am. I could hear a crackling noise because our bedroom is at the back of the house towards the bridleway. You could see orange flames and a lot of smoke. I was afraid it would spread.

“I said to my other half ‘grab the keys there’s a fire’”.

Aly Karnatz of Springfield Road saw flames leaping up from the field behind the railway station opposite her house.

She said: “It was a really big blaze.

“The fire service managed to clear it so fast though, I was very impressed.

“The wind was so strong, if it had changed direction it could have been a totally different story.”

Ken Merrick a resident of The Finches said: “We could see the flames over the top of the trees.

“Initially we didn’t know what was going on, we saw an orange glow then could see flames and sparks.”

Residents were also concerned to hear that the fire had been started deliberately.

Nathan Butler, a resident of Reedling Close, said: “It’s bad. I think it’s quite irresponsible.”

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous said: “It’s frightening to hear what’s happened and I’m thankful it didn’t’ spread.”

However, another resident who wished to remain anonymous, said he isn’t surprised by the arson.

He explained: “This is what people are like, there’s an awful lot who don’t have respect for anything or anyone.”