BOURNEMOUTH International Centre has thanked emergency services following its "swift response" to a suspected arson that resulted in the arrest of a 38-year-old man on Monday evening.
Police and fire services descended on the BIC after a fire broke out in the rear of the building and smoke billowed along the seafront on Monday, August 4.
Steve Turner, BH Live’s venue director, said: “I’d like to thank the emergency services and all those involved for their swift response.
“We will be assessing the damage to the outdoor terraced area, and any impact this will have on forthcoming event arrangements – although early indications suggest that this will be minimal and the venue will largely be operating as usual.”
A police cordon was placed around the venue as firefighters could be seen battling the blaze.
There were no planned events in the venue on Monday evening and there no reports of any injuries as a result of the incident.
The BIC opened in 1984 and is one of the largest venues for conferences, exhibitions, entertainment and events in southern England.
The centre is managed by BH Live in partnership with BCP Council alongside its sister venue, The Pavilion Theatre and Ballroom.
Dorset Police said: "At 7.38pm on Monday 4 July 2025, we received a report from the fire service of a fire at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) in Exeter Road in Bournemouth.
"Officers are currently in attendance to assist Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
"Following fast-time enquiries, this is being treated as suspicious, and a 38-year-old man has been arrested at the scene on suspicion of arson.
"He is in police custody at this time.
"No injuries have been reported."
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service: "We were called at 7.34pm today (4 August) to Exeter Road, Bournemouth to reports of a fire affecting the external of a building.
"Three crews from Springbourne, Westbourne and Redhill Park along with the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne are currently in attendance.
"Two breathing apparatus wearers are using two hose reel jets to extinguish and a large fan for smoke logging.
"The fire has affected the external roof fascia with some smoke entering the building through a window.
"Our stop came in at 8.48pm and crews remain on scene to dampen down. Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the fire.
"Crews had left the scene by approximately 9.30pm last night (4 August).
"We believe the fire to have been started deliberately and an arrest has been made by Dorset Police."
Share