A major heathland fire at Dunwich Heath near Leiston on the Suffolk coast has been declared a major incident.
Firefighters are working through the night to contain the blaze amid soaring temperatures.
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The fire was first reported shortly after 5:30 p. m.
on Wednesday.
It is spreading southwest and threatening local properties, including Coastguard Cottages, Mount Pleasant Farm, Cliff House Holiday Park, and St James’ Church near Westleton Road.
Authorities have evacuated all affected residents successfully.
They urge the public to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed due to smoke and heat.
Firefighting Efforts Underway
Dan Davis, a station manager for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, described the situation as a "large-scale, wind-driven forestry fire."
Approximately 90 firefighters were deployed to manage the complex and rapidly developing incident.
"Crews from Leiston attended the scene and were met with what is a large-scale, wind-driven forestry fire," Davis said.
He highlighted the challenge posed by the fire's size and the difficult conditions created by the ongoing heatwave.
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"The incident has subsequently been upgraded to a major incident.
We currently have approximately 90 firefighters on scene working incredibly hard in arduous conditions to bring this fire under control," Davis added.
The fire is occurring during the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer.
Temperatures have reached into the 30s Celsius in parts of the country, accompanied by an amber heat-health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the East of England and neighboring regions.
