Grant Stewart, a 33-year-old builder, was among those who woke to the sound of bangs from vehicles on fire in his area.
Local residents have described a scene “like a warzone” as police investigate reports of a dozen car fires in the early hours of Monday morning in Dorset.
Emergency services were called out to the scene of multiple fires in Broadstone, Wimborne and Merley areas between 1am and 3am on Monday morning.
Dorset Police is investigating to “identify those responsible” for the fires, which officers said affected 12 vehicles and one property.
Grant Stewart, a 33-year-old builder from Ferndown, described the scene as a “warzone” with people running around in a panic and cars “banging”.
“I was woken up by a bang and thought it was a car crash, looked out the window to see an orange glow and people running around,” Mr Stewart told the PA news agency.
“One person comes running to the scene to wake up one of the owners of the car and their car was on fire.
“I went out to find it was like a warzone with three cars ablaze and bangs going off.”
Detective Sergeant Simon Austin, of County CID, said: “These incidents have affected a large number of victims in the wider Wimborne area and we are aware that this will cause concern.
“I would like to reassure our local communities that officers are currently investigating all reported incidents and are making every effort to identify those responsible.
“People will see visible police activity as officers are making house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.”
Officers added that they are appealing for any witnesses of the incidents or anyone who has seen suspicious activity to please come forward.
They are also calling anyone in the affected areas with a home CCTV camera installed or a dashcam to check their footage.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We have attended multiple vehicle fires in the Wimborne area between midnight and 2.30am this morning (May 15).
“We are supporting our police colleagues with their investigation.”
