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Suffolk Declares Major Incident as 90 Firefighters Battle Dunwich Heath Wildfire

Firefighters battling a large wildfire at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk
Firefighters battling a wildfire at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk
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A major incident has been declared in Suffolk as firefighters battle a large wildfire at Dunwich Heath near Leiston.

Approximately 90 firefighters are involved, and evacuations have been prompted.

The fire was reported shortly after 5:30 PM on Wednesday and is spreading southwest. Several people have been evacuated.

Officials declared a major incident due to the fire's size and complexity.

Efforts are focused on protecting nearby properties, with preparations underway for a possible evacuation of about 200 caravans at the Cliff House holiday park.

Dan Davis, a Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service station manager, said crews from Leiston arrived to find a large-scale, wind-driven forestry fire.

He added that the incident was upgraded to a major incident, with firefighters working hard in arduous conditions to bring the fire under control.

Those displaced by the fire were advised to attend Westleton Village Hall at 8 AM for updates.

Specialist drones have been deployed to assess fire behavior and guide overnight operations. Fire crews are also using multipurpose all-wheel-drive Unimogs and 4x4 quad bikes.

The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber heat-health alert covering the East Midlands, eastern and southeastern England, and London, effective until 9 AM Thursday.

The alert warns that rising temperatures could increase health risks for vulnerable groups.

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