- Major incident declared in Suffolk as 90 firefighters tackle wildfire on heathland.
- Homes and a caravan park have been evacuated, with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service saying crews are "working incredibly hard in arduous conditions".
- This morning, 70 firefighters are still tackling it and the incident has been described as "dynamic".
- Dozens of people, including families with babies and dogs, have been evacuated and are now located at Westleton Village Hall.
A major incident has been declared in Suffolk as firefighters continue to battle a large wildfire that ignited on Dunwich Heath. The fire, which started around 17:00 BST on Wednesday, has rapidly spread, consuming approximately 10 hectares (24.7 acres) of coastal heathland.1
As of this morning, about 70 firefighters remain on the scene, with the total number of personnel peaking at 90 during the height of the blaze. The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service described the conditions as “dynamic” and noted that crews are “working incredibly hard in arduous conditions.”3
In response to the fire's size and complexity, officials have evacuated homes and a nearby caravan park. Dozens of residents, including families with babies and dogs, have been relocated to Westleton Village Hall for safety. The situation remains critical as firefighters strive to contain the flames and protect the surrounding community.24
The rapid spread of the fire has raised concerns among local authorities, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and support for those affected by the incident.
“As of this morning, 70 firefighters continue to battle the blaze, which has been described as 'dynamic.' Dozens of evacuees, including families with babies and dogs, are currently being housed at Westleton Village Hall.”
