Firefighters are battling a major wind-driven heathland fire at Dunwich Heath near Leiston, Suffolk, after crews were called shortly after 5:30 p.
m. on Wednesday.
The rapidly moving wildfire is traveling southwest and endangering St. James' Church on Westleton Road.
Authorities declared the situation a major incident due to its growing size and complexity. Around 90 firefighters have been deployed to contain the blaze in challenging weather conditions.
Dan Davis, a station manager for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, described the initial response.
"Crews from Leiston attended the scene and were met with what is a large-scale, wind-driven forestry fire," he said.
The severity of the emergency led to an escalation. "The incident has subsequently been upgraded to a major incident," Davis added.
Personnel are actively working to prevent further spread.
"We currently have approximately 90 firefighters on scene working incredibly hard in arduous conditions to bring this fire under control," Davis said.
He assured local residents that emergency services would remain until the situation stabilizes.
"I'd like to provide reassurance that we are going to remain on scene until we bring this fire under control," Davis added.
The emergency response coincides with an amber heat-health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the East Midlands, East, South East, and London, active until 9 a.
m. Thursday.
In a separate incident in Scotland, crews from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service reported progress on a wildfire in the Cairngorms that began two weeks ago.
That fire forced household evacuations and scorched extensive terrain.
Deputy assistant chief officer Michael Humphreys acknowledged the impact.
"It's been an absolutely devastating fire for wildlife and for the local community who have come out in force to really support us, which we really do appreciate," he said.
Crews continue mitigation efforts as the risk of new ignitions remains high.
"To control this fire, what we've had to put in place is a significant number of fire breaks," Humphreys said.
