Sirens sound, helicopters hover, and the smell of smoke fills the air near Dunwich in rural Suffolk, where around 120 firefighters in 18 engines continue to tackle a 100-hectare blaze. The scene, reminiscent of a disaster movie, is all too real for residents and holidaymakers.
Evacuations and community response
At least 47 people, including babies, as well as five dogs, a cat and a mouse, were evacuated from lodges and caravans at Cliff House holiday park near Dunwich Heath after the fire began around 5pm on Wednesday. They were taken two miles to a pop-up rescue centre at Westleton Village Hall, where dozens of locals provided food, water and lodging.
A mother of two on holiday from Southampton, who did not want to be named, said: “It was scary. We just kind of grabbed them and left. They’re still in their pyjamas - no shoes. We first saw the smoke at around 7pm while eating our dinner. It very quickly with the change of wind took a very different direction.”
Midwife Jude Bayly, 73, from north London, who slept in her car after evacuating her caravan, said: “I’ve never done such chaotic packing in my life. You don’t have any sense of order. I tried to sleep but we could just see the plumes of smoke getting nearer and nearer. You could see the red sky and the flames licking higher and higher.”
Rob Gordon, 56, from Spalding, Lincolnshire, was evacuated with his wife and dog. He said: “Unfortunately, I’d had a couple of beers so I couldn’t drive us away. On site, we couldn’t see the smoke that much, but when the police escorted us out, the late evening sun was catching the smoke, which turned it bright red. It was apocalyptic.”
Firefighters face challenges
Suffolk Fire Service Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey appeared at the rescue centre and spoke to residents. He said: “It’s a very dynamic and fast-paced incident. I wouldn't say the fire is surrounded and we're on top of it because it moves faster than we're able to deal with it. It's very challenging. The flames are quite high.”
Lacey added: “The fire in terms of its size isn't getting significantly bigger, but it's travelling. We have seen it grow a little bit, with the warm conditions and the daylight conditions with the wind and it depends where the wind goes and what is in front of it as to how much bigger it will get.”
The fire has overtaken a sizable chunk of the nearby RSPB Minsmere reserve, but officials played down fears it could reach the nearby Sizewell B nuclear power station. However, they warned the fire is still travelling through forestry and expect it could continue for 24 to 36 hours. Residents were told to keep windows and doors closed and to stand by in case further evacuations are needed.
Lacey said it is too early to establish the cause of the fire, and he cannot say when residents and holidaymakers may return. He added: “I'm devastated for the people who have had to relocate. I know it's really scary and quite worrying.” Volunteers at Westleton Village Hall continued to care for evacuees. Barry Banks, who lives in the village, said: “We managed to get 47 people housed with the village. Everyone that turned up here was successfully housed. It was a great effort. We’re very proud.”
