A massive wildfire has scorched more than 250 acres of Dunwich Heath on the Suffolk coast, leaving rare wildlife habitats devastated.
Experts warn that full recovery could take up to 25 years.
The blaze, which began Wednesday evening near Leiston, also affected parts of the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve. Over 100 firefighters were deployed to combat the flames.
About 50 people were evacuated from nearby homes and a holiday park, along with 200 caravans. A relief center was set up at Westleton Village Hall.
The affected area is vital for native reptiles such as adders, common lizards, and slow worms. It also supports bird species including Dartford warblers, nightjars, and stonechats.
Official records show Suffolk crews responded to 310 open-air fires between January and mid-November 2025, a year-over-year increase of 105 incidents.
Adam Rowlands, RSPB Suffolk area manager, said the blaze was the largest recorded at Minsmere in living memory.
He noted that rare butterfly species were in their egg stage during the incident.
"Most of them have finished breeding so they'll be able to escape the fire, and last night we could see nightjars flying above the fireball up on the heath," Rowlands said.
He explained that the loss of vegetation will deprive returning bird populations of essential nesting locations.
"But the problem is it will look like a scene of devastation afterwards.
All the vegetation will go and the majority of those birds will lose the places where they nest."
Rowlands emphasized that restoring the scorched ecosystem will be a long process.
"Some of that habitat will take five, 10, 25 years to come back to what it looked like before the fire broke out yesterday afternoon."
Chris Keeling, vice chairman of Suffolk Bird Group and a former Natural England ecologist, expressed deep distress.
"I find it utterly sickening, and it just makes me feel so desperately sad to see that destruction."
He highlighted the broader importance of preserving natural environments.
"We need to really value our wilder habitats, nature and biodiversity because we all depend on it, and a world without that is going to be a rather sadder place."
Keeling urged the public to avoid open fires and outdoor smoking.
"It's so important we protect what is left, and now with climate change and these very dry summers it's so important people behave responsibly."
He reflected on humanity's tendency to overlook environmental value until damage occurs.
"It's sad to say that we have to be pushed to the threshold before we appreciate what we're losing, but it's so often the way with humanity."
Russell Clement, general manager for the National Trust on the Suffolk coast, noted that the historic Coastguard Cottages appeared to escape direct destruction.
However, the surrounding heather landscape suffered severe damage.
"This is obviously heartbreaking news, as so many people will have fond memories of this precious landscape, which is normally covered in purple heather at this time of year," Clement said.
He acknowledged the multi-agency emergency response and local community assistance.
"We're incredibly grateful for Suffolk Fire and Rescue and the multiple agency response, including local farmers, who are doing all they can to contain the fire."
Authorities confirmed no injuries were reported. The official cause of the fire remains under investigation while containment operations stabilize the area.
