THE cause of the three wildfires which stretched firefighters across the conurbation last week may never be known, experts say.

More than 100 Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) firefighters battled the flames, last Thursday, at Ferndown Common, Ham Common and on Canford Heath.

DWFRS area manager Ian Jeary explained: "Based on available intelligence, and given the scale of the damage caused, we have been unable to identify how these fires started."

None of the three fires are being investigated as arson by police.

Mr Jeary added: "However, with more hot, dry weather expected this week, we would again remind people to not start camp fires on local heathland.

"We would also ask that they avoid using barbecues, and take extra care when disposing of cigarettes etc."