A major incident was declared at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk after a large heathland fire broke out during the UK's fourth heatwave of the summer, forcing evacuations of nearby properties.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of a wildfire near Leiston shortly after 5.30pm on Wednesday. By Thursday morning, crews continued to tackle the blaze, focusing on protecting Coastguard Cottages, Mount Pleasant Farm and Cliff House Holiday Park. All individuals were evacuated successfully.
Fire spreads amid soaring temperatures
The fire spread south-west towards St James' Church on Westleton Road. The major incident declaration was made due to the size and complexity of the blaze. Dan Davis, station manager at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, urged people to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed. Approximately 90 firefighters were on scene working in arduous conditions to bring the fire under control.
Temperatures across parts of the UK reached into the 30s on Wednesday. The UK Health Security Agency had issued an amber heat-health alert for the East Midlands, East of England, South East and London, which remained in place until 9am on Thursday.
Cooler change forecast
The Met Office said temperatures were expected to fall closer to average across the UK. Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway noted potential for more rain, but added that amounts would be modest and not balance the summer's rainfall shortfall, with some southern areas possibly seeing little or no rain.
The Environment Agency warned that swathes of England are experiencing flash drought due to low rainfall and high temperatures, affecting East Anglia, Hertfordshire, London, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Devon, Cornwall, West Midlands, and Wessex.
Other wildfires across the UK
In Scotland, crews made significant progress on a wildfire in the Cairngorms that broke out two weeks ago. Several homes were evacuated, and large areas of trees, heather and grassland were charred. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deputy assistant chief officer Michael Humphreys described it as an absolutely devastating fire for wildlife and the local community, with significant fire breaks put in place to control it.
