Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident on Wednesday evening after a significant heathland fire broke out at the National Trust site of Dunwich Heath, near Leiston, just after 5.30pm. The blaze is moving south-west towards St James' Church, off Westleton Road, and has prompted an urgent public warning to avoid the area close to Sizewell B nuclear power plant.
Wind-Driven Blaze Prompts Mass Response
Station manager Dan Davis from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews from Leiston attended the scene and were met with what is a large-scale, wind-driven forestry fire. The incident has subsequently been upgraded to a major incident.” He added that approximately 90 firefighters are on scene working in arduous conditions to bring the fire under control.
The public have been urged to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles and to close windows and doors if smoke is nearby.
Heat Alert and Parallel Blaze in Scotland
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert for the East Midlands, East, South East and London, in place until 9am on Thursday, warning of increased health risks for vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, emergency services have reported “significant progress” in controlling a wildfire in the Cairngorms that started two weeks ago, though deputy assistant chief officer Michael Humphreys warned that the risk of flare-ups remains high. “It’s been an absolutely devastating fire for wildlife and for the local community,” he said.
