Overview
- The fire broke out on Dunwich Heath and spread rapidly in windy, dry conditions, prompting Suffolk Fire and Rescue to declare a Major Incident and keep crews on scene for more than 12 hours.
- Firefighters deployed roughly 70–90 personnel with 14 fire engines and specialist kit including drones, Unimogs, quad bikes and relief crews to create sectors and fight the blaze.
- Authorities made precautionary evacuations at nearby caravan sites with about 200 caravans prepared or removed and asked residents to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.
- The blaze threatened Coastguard Cottages, Mount Pleasant Farm, St James’ Church and sits a few miles from Sizewell B nuclear power station, which officials say has reported no confirmed impact.
- Dunwich Heath is National Trust land next to the RSPB Minsmere reserve, so the fire risks rare lowland heath species and adds pressure to emergency services already stretched by hot, dry weather and wider UK wildfire activity.