However, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is stressing that the incident itself is not over, and people must stay away from Dunwich Heath.
Firefighters will remain at Dunwich Heath, continuing to damp down the affected area, monitor for hotspots and respond to any further fire activity.
Fire crews brought into Suffolk from across the country during the height of the incident, under National Resilience support, will start to scale back from 5pm today, with the continuing firefighting operation being managed by SFRS.
Jon Lacey, Chief Fire Officer of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Standing down the Major Incident is an important milestone and reflects the significant progress made by our crews and everyone who has supported this response.
“But I want to be absolutely clear that this incident is not over. Suffolk firefighters will remain at Dunwich Heath, continuing to damp down, monitor the affected area and deal with hotspots or any further fire activity that emerges.
“The nature of this landscape means fire can remain hidden underground for some considerable time, which is why we continue to ask people to stay away from the heath itself and allow our crews to work safely.
“I want to express my enormous gratitude to every fire and rescue service which has sent people, equipment and expertise to Suffolk.
“The support we have received has been extraordinary. It has given our firefighters vital resilience during a long and demanding operation and helped us protect communities, some of our county’s most important natural habitats and, most importantly, lives.
“I would also like to thank our colleagues across the Suffolk Resilience Forum, voluntary organisations, local communities, residents and businesses for everything they have done over the past 12 days.
“Recovery work can now begin alongside our continuing response, but our firefighters will remain at Dunwich for as long as they are needed.”
Members of the public must not visit Dunwich Heath itself and must continue to respect all closures affecting National Trust, RSPB and other land, public rights of way and footpaths within the affected area.
Although much of the site may now appear calm, fire can remain hidden deep underground in roots, vegetation and animal burrows before re-emerging without warning. Firefighters and other responders will also continue operating vehicles and equipment across the heath.
While access to the heath remains restricted, Dunwich village and surrounding communities are open for business.
Visitors are encouraged to support shops, pubs, cafés, accommodation providers and other businesses across the area, while continuing to respect road closures, traffic management measures and access restrictions around the fire ground.
Dunwich Road, from Westleton to Dunwich, will reopen today at 5pm.
Some traffic controls will remain in place to support the continuing emergency response and manage access safely.
Councillor Tristan Gale, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Devolution and the Fire Service, said:
“The scale of what has happened at Dunwich Heath is difficult to overstate.
“Every one of Suffolk’s 35 fire stations has contributed crews to this incident, supported by firefighters and specialist resources from across the country and an enormous network of partner and voluntary organisations.
“I want to thank every single person who has played a part, from those fighting the fire on the heath and staff working around the clock behind the scenes, to the organisations providing food, welfare, equipment, specialist advice and practical support.
“I also want to thank residents and businesses in Dunwich, Westleton and the surrounding communities. They have lived with road closures, smoke, disruption and uncertainty for almost two weeks and have shown tremendous patience and support for our emergency services.
“Today is an important step forward, but the incident is not over. I would urge everyone to continue following the advice of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, stay away from the heath itself and give our crews the space they need to finish their work safely.”
The move out of Major Incident arrangements also marks the beginning of a coordinated recovery phase.
East Suffolk Council will lead the multi-agency recovery arrangements, working alongside landowners, community representatives and other partners.
The first meeting of the Recovery Coordinating Group will take place today.
