A dramatic image shows a caravan on fire in Charmouth Forest that is suspected to have been arson.

Black smoke could be seen coming from the caravan through the trees as it was engulfed in flames as firefighters approached at 4.45pm on Monday, June 17.

Police suspect the fire could be arson and was 'set deliberately'.

An investigation is underway and no arrets have been made at this time.

Fire engines from Axminster and Charmouth fire stations put out the fire using two breathing apparatus kits and one hose reel jet.

As the flames were put out an LPG cylinder was found inside the caravan which crews removed and cooled down with a second hose reel jet.

The caravan was completed destroyed and some vegetation in the area was also damaged by the fire.

A spokesperson for Axminster Fire station said: "Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Fire Control received a number of 999 emergency calls informing of a caravan on fire approximately 100 metres from White Gates within a layby in Charmouth Forest.

"Control immediately mobilised Axminster Fire Station and Charmouth Fire Station.


"Whilst en-route to this incident crews confirmed a large amount of black smoke coming from within the trees.

Once in attendance crews confirmed 1 x towable caravan well alight with no obvious indications of any owners nearby.

"Crews immediately got to work using 2x BA Wearers (Breathing Apparatus) and 1x HRJ (Hose Reel Jet) to extinguish the fire.

"Whilst extinguishing the fire crews removed 1x LPG cylinder that had been within the caravan and set it aside using a further hose reel Jet to cool the cylinder whilst monitoring with a thermal image camera.

"Crews quickly had the fire under control and were soon turning over and damping down.

"The caravan was 100 per cent damaged by smoke and fire with a small amount of vegetation in the wooded area also affected by fire.

"Police were requested due to the nature of the incident."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police added: "We received a report at 5.05pm on Monday June 17 from the fire service of a caravan fire in the area of Charmouth Forest.

"It was reported that the cause of the fire was believed to be deliberate.

"Enquiries are being carried out into the incident. No arrests have been made."