Police are investigating the circumstances around several suspicious fires in Dartford Heath throughout August.

No arrests have been made yet but enquiries are ongoing.

According to the Kent Fire and Rescue Service, crews have attended 51 fires at Dartford Heath between July 1 and August 22, 2022.

It is believed that 12 of these fires were started deliberately.

This statement was issued before a further fire on Dartford Heath on Wednesday night which is also believed to have been deliberate - taking the figures to 52 fires with 13 on purpose.

The dates and time of each incident is as follows:

  • August 6 at 9.04pm
  • August 7 at 9.35pm
  • August 8 at 7.15am
  • August 11 at 6.19pm
  • August 15 at 9.10pm and 9.53pm
  • August 18 at 11.35am, 4.30pm and 9.28pm
  • August 20 at 6.40pm
  • August 22 at 3.42pm and 9.50pm
  • August 23 at 7.23pm
  • August 24 at 6.02pm

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has asked members of the public to help reduce the risk of a grass fire by following safety advice:

• Avoid having bonfires at this time

• Disposing of smoking materials responsibly, making sure they’re fully stubbed out and cold before being binned - consider using a portable ashtray when on the go

• Keep barbecues on a flat, non-flammable surface, away from property and greenery

• Remember – if you see a grass fire move to a safe place and call 999

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: "Kent Police is investigating the circumstances surrounding several suspicious fires which are reported to have happened in August on Dartford Heath.

"While no arrests have yet been made officers are carrying out enquiries and liaising with partner agencies to ascertain the circumstances surrounding these fires."

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Between 1 July 2022 and 22 August 2022, crews have attended 51 fires at Dartford Heath.

“It’s believed 12 of these incidents were started deliberately.”

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