Particle.news

Major Incident Declared as Wildfire Burns Dunwich Heath

Hot, dry winds pushing flames toward caravan sites and protected reserves risk a prolonged firefight.

Overview

  • The wildfire began Wednesday evening at Dunwich Heath and has been escalated to a major incident as crews fought a fast, wind‑driven blaze.
  • About 70–90 firefighters with 14 engines and specialist kit including Unimogs, drones and 4x4 quad bikes remain sectorised on scene and relief crews have worked through the night.
  • Evacuations were carried out and roughly 200 caravans at a nearby holiday park were prepared for removal with displaced people directed to Westleton Village Hall for support.
  • Crews have focused on protecting Coastguard Cottages, Mount Pleasant Farm and Cliff House Holiday Park while the National Trust site and RSPB Minsmere have been closed to visitors.
  • Authorities say there is no current risk to Sizewell B but warn the situation is unstable because of drought and strong winds and that the response may take many hours to contain.