Firefighters are battling a major wildfire at Dunwich Heath, a National Trust nature reserve in Suffolk, after a major incident was declared. The blaze broke out around 5:30pm on Wednesday, leading to the evacuation of approximately 200 caravans from a nearby holiday park. Up to 70 firefighters and 14 fire engines (later rising to 90) were deployed. The cause remains unclear.
The heath is about three miles from the Sizewell B nuclear plant, but it is not thought to be affecting the power station. Smoke has been reported as far away as Lowestoft, 20 miles from the scene. Suffolk Police and the council urged the public to avoid the area, keep roads clear, and keep windows and doors shut.
Evacuation and response
A successful evacuation took place overnight, with displaced individuals directed to Westleton Village Hall at 8:00am for further updates. Suffolk County Council said preparations were made to evacuate up to 200 caravans at Cliff House Holiday Park if conditions required. Specialist drone support was used to assess fire behavior and support operational decision-making.
Suffolk Police stated: "Please be aware of a significant wildfire that started on Dunwich Heath. Local residents are advised to follow advice from Suffolk Fire Service to keep all doors and windows closed. Please avoid the area to allow emergency services to carry out their essential work safely and effectively."
Weather and conditions
The Met Office forecast rain over Dunwich Heath on Thursday afternoon and evening, with temperatures around 26C on-site. An amber health alert for heat issued by the UK Health Security Agency covers the east Midlands, east, south east and London until 9am Thursday. The National Trust confirmed the Dunwich Heath car park will be closed on Thursday.
Witness Karl Adams observed that the fire "dramatically increased" overnight, sharing an image of bright flames and thick smoke. He said: "The fires at Dunwich Heath appear to have dramatically increased since a few hours ago. I’m a few miles away but it’s now very visible. Thinking of the firefighters and hoping the wildlife made a quick escape." Another witness reported being evacuated from a campsite across the road after fire crews came round asking everyone to evacuate.
Dunwich Heath is a lowland heath and rare habitat home to species such as the Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark, ant-lion, and adders, according to the National Trust.
