Large wildfire on Dunwich Heath

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has been called to reports of a large wildfire at Dunwich Heath that is spreading rapidly south-west towards St James' Church, off Westleton Road.

Fourteen fire appliances are in attendance, with crews using a range of specialist equipment and resources to tackle the fire, including Unimogs, drones and 4x4 quad bikes.

Crews from Leiston, Reydon, Halesworth, Beccles, Ipswich East, Ipswich Princes Street, Lowestoft South, Lowestoft North, Stradbroke, Wrentham, Bungay, Saxmundham, Haverhill, Orford, Stowmarket, Felixstowe and Woodbridge have attended the scene.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Residents affected by smoke should keep windows and doors closed where possible.

Live updates below

Update (2.15pm, 12 Aug)

As of 5pm today, there will no longer be any Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service resources on site at Dunwich Heath.

The incident will now move into the reinspection phase, with re-inspections being carried out by Level 2 officers from the North District until Friday evening.

Subject to there being no further fire activity, a final site visit will take place on Monday, at which point a decision will be made on whether to record a STOP message.

Following a meeting with the landowners this afternoon, responsibility for the site will be formally handed back to them at 4pm today.

The area is still being treated as a fire scene and therefore the public is asked to avoid visiting until further notice.

Thank you to everyone involved in the response. Your efforts and commitment throughout this incident have been greatly appreciated.

Update (4:00pm, 11 Aug)

A full perimeter search by drone this afternoon located one small hot spot, which crews are currently dampening down. 

This highlights how important it is that members of the public continue to stay away from the heath - it is still an ongoing incident. 

Some traffic controls remain in place to support the continuing emergency response, and manage access safely but Dunwich Road, from Westleton to Dunwich, reopened as scheduled yesterday evening. 

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.

Update (2:00pm, 10 Aug)

The Major Incident at Dunwich Heath has been stood down – but we still ask you to stay away from the area.

The incident itself is not over. Firefighters will remain at the scene, continuing to damp down the affected area, monitor for hotspots and respond to any further fire activity that emerges.

Jon Lacey, Chief Fire Officer, said: “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.”

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.

Read more: Major Incident stood down at Dunwich Heath — but people must continue to stay away

Update (10:20am, 10 Aug)

The incident remains stable and is still a major incident. 

Firefighting operations continue to focus on monitoring and extinguishing hotspots across the site. Thermal imaging surveys and regular patrols remain in place to identify any areas of residual heat and support ongoing suppression activity. 

Current resources on scene comprise four pumping appliances, two Unimog vehicles and National Resilience assets.

Members of the public are reminded to stay away from restricted areas and to respect all road closures and access restrictions. Unauthorised access to the incident area creates unnecessary safety risks and can impact ongoing firefighting operations.

Update (4:00pm, 9 Aug)

The incident remains stable and is still a major incident. 

Firefighters continue to make progress in identifying and extinguishing hotspots across the site. Current resources on scene include four pumping appliances and seven 4x4 vehicles, including three National Resilience assets. Resource levels will continue to be reviewed as progress is made, with the aim of reducing resources further over the coming week if conditions allow.

Weather conditions remain challenging, with higher temperatures and changing wind conditions influencing firefighting activity. Despite this, conditions across the incident area remain stable.

Members of the public are reminded to stay away from restricted areas and to respect all road closures and access restrictions. Unauthorised access to the incident area creates unnecessary safety risks and can impact ongoing firefighting operations.

Update (10:33am, 8 Aug)

The incident remains stable and continues to be managed under Major Incident arrangements. The active fire area is approximately 112 hectares. 

Overnight operations proceeded as planned, with four pumping appliances and two 4x4 vehicles remaining on site. Firefighters continue to make good progress tackling hotspots across the site and any flare-ups are quickly dealt with using specialist equipment. 

Arrangements are in place today to allow residents and holidaymakers access to the caravan park to collect personal belongings. Suffolk Police will manage the access and escort people safely into and out of the area. Following discussions with organisers and partner agencies, the Dunwich Classic Car Mini Rally will be allowed to proceed as planned tomorrow. 

The Information Centre at Westleton Village Hall is open from 9am to 4pm throughout the weekend. 

Members of the public are asked to continue avoiding the incident area and to respect all road closures, access restrictions and directions from emergency services.

Update (4:26pm, 7 Aug)

The incident remains stable and continues to be managed under Major Incident arrangements.

Good progress continues to be made across the incident area and firefighting operations remain focused on identifying and extinguishing hotspots across the site. A small number of flare-ups have been dealt with quickly using resources already on the ground. 

Operational resources have now reduced to six pumping appliances and will reduce further to four pumping appliances overnight with appropriate resources remaining in place throughout the weekend. The Information Centre at Westleton Village Hall remains open from 9am to 4pm throughout the weekend.

Members of the public are asked to continue avoiding the area and respecting all access restrictions and closure notices.

Update (10:15am, 7 Aug)

The incident remains stable and continues to be managed under Major Incident arrangements. The active fire area is currently estimated at 112 hectares. Firefighters continue to monitor and tackle hotspots across the site, supported by specialist 4x4 vehicles and drone technology.

Current resources on scene include 10 pumping appliances and six 4x4 vehicles. National Resilience support will remain available over the weekend and into Monday and Highways teams will begin assessing any damage to road surfaces within the cordoned area today. 

Weather conditions are expected to become hotter over the weekend, which may present additional challenges for firefighting activity. A Yellow Heat Health Alert has been issued and people are encouraged to follow public health advice and take precautions in the heat. Please check health advice by NHS and UKHSA below:

Health advice for people living in areas experiencing wildfires – Norfolk & Suffolk ICB

Why severe wildfires are becoming more frequent in the UK and how to cope with the health risks – UK Health Security Agency

Road and footpath closures remain in place, and a police dispersal order continues to be enforced. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area and respect all access restrictions and closure notices. The Information Centre at Westleton Village Hall remains open from 9am to 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Update (4:40pm, 6 Aug)

The major incident remains ongoing, but the situation is stable.

Firefighting operations continue to focus on identifying and extinguishing hotspots across the site. Crews are making good progress, supported by specialist off-road vehicles that enable access to difficult-to-reach areas where hotspots remain.

A resource buffer remains in place to support firefighter welfare and ensure the effective rotation of personnel. Current resources on scene include ten pumping appliances, four 4x4 vehicles and two Unimog vehicles. 

Road and footpath closures remain in place. Members of the public are asked to continue avoiding the area and to respect all access restrictions and closure notices.

Update (10:15am, 6 Aug)

The incident remains dynamic but stable, and the Major Incident declaration remains in place. Firefighters continue to tackle and monitor hotspots across the site, supported by National Resilience resources.

Favourable weather conditions today are allowing crews to take a more proactive approach to firefighting activity, while agencies continue to monitor forecasts closely ahead of the weekend. The Information Centre at Westleton Village Hall remains open from 9am to 4pm today and tomorrow.

Residents and visitors are urged to stay away from the affected area and respect all road and footpath closures. 

Update (4:15pm, 5 Aug)

A major incident remains in place as firefighters continue their operations. 

Natural England has confirmed that public access is excluded on both Open Access Land and the King Charles III England Coast Path and the Coastal Margin around Dunwich from 3rd August 2026 until 22 August 2026 for public safety reasons. Please download the file below for more information. 

Although there may be no visible signs of fire in some locations, significant heat remains beneath the ground due to ongoing smouldering in organic material, creating a risk of burns and unstable ground conditions. Public access restrictions therefore remain in place, and residents and visitors are urged to stay away from the affected area and follow advice from emergency services.

Update (10:30am, 5 Aug)

Overnight, crews focused on monitoring and extinguishing hotspots, particularly around the perimeter of the affected area. Firefighters continue to use drone technology to help identify and respond to any remaining pockets of fire.

Resources will increase during daylight hours in line with operational plans, with National Resilience support remaining in place to support crews and ongoing operations.

Road and footpath closures remain in place, and the current cordon has been reviewed and will remain unchanged. Work is continuing to improve arrangements for those requiring access into and out of the cordoned area.

The incident remains active. Please continue to avoid the area and respect all road and footpath closures so emergency services can operate safely and effectively.

The Information Centre at Westleton Village Hall remains open from 9am to 4pm today and will continue to operate tomorrow.

Update (6:30pm, 4 Aug)

Firefighters continue to make good progress at Dunwich Heath, with crews successfully containing and extinguishing hotspots across the site.

Today brought challenging weather conditions, including high temperatures, low humidity and stronger winds. Despite this, there has been no significant fire spread and firefighters have responded quickly to a small number of isolated fires around the perimeter of the incident area.

As planned, resources will reduce overnight while maintaining an appropriate firefighting presence on site to continue monitoring and dealing with hotspots.

Warm weather is expected to continue tomorrow, and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service remains well prepared, with plans and resources in place to respond if conditions change.

The incident remains ongoing and members of the public are asked to continue avoiding the area and respecting road and footpath closures.

We would like to thank local residents, partner organisations and everyone affected for their continued patience and support.

Over the past 24 hours, firefighters have had to escort dog walkers and other members of the public away from the area after they entered restricted locations or became lost.

We want to make it clear that while the incident remains stable, the danger is far from over.

Firefighters are still dealing with hotspots across the site every day. What may look like 'safe', burnt ground can be hiding temperatures in excess of 60°C at the surface, with temperatures significantly higher just a few inches below ground.

Underground tree roots, animal burrows and scorched earth continue to smoulder beneath the surface, creating hidden hazards that are not always visible from above.

Fire crews remain on site, patrolling affected areas and responding to hotspots identified by drone technology. When smoke is spotted, drones are used to locate the source before crews are deployed to tackle it. A firefighting helicopter also remains in operation today to help tackle particularly hard-to-reach areas.

Today's hot and windy conditions are increasing the likelihood of flare-ups, making this a particularly important time for the public to stay away.

Please do not visit Dunwich Heath and do not enter closed areas. The landscape has changed dramatically as a result of the fire. Areas that were once familiar can now be difficult to navigate, making it easy to become disorientated.

Keeping away helps protect your safety and allows firefighters to focus on tackling the incident.

Thank you from Jon Lacey to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Colleagues (4 August)

Jon Lacey, Chief Fire Officer has a message for those at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service who continue to work tirelessly in response to the Major Incident in Dunwich.

Update (10:00am, 4 August)

The incident at Dunwich continues to be managed under Major Incident arrangements, however it remains stable.

Firefighting operations continue on site, with resources focused on monitoring and extinguishing hotspots across the affected area. Crews are patrolling the site and using a drone to identify hotspots that require attention.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service remains supported by National Resilience resources and partner agencies as work continues.

The Information Centre at Westleton Village Hall closed last night. Those directly affected by the incident will continue to receive information, updates and support through direct communication channels with the agencies involved.

The incident remains live, and members of the public and residents are asked to continue staying away from the affected area. Road and footpath closures remain in place and should be respected to allow emergency services to carry out their work safely and effectively.

Update (3:00pm, 3 August)

The incident at Dunwich remains stable and continues to be managed under Major Incident arrangements, with emergency services remaining on site as firefighting operations and monitoring activity continue.

Work is ongoing to facilitate controlled access to affected properties where required. Any access will remain subject to safety assessments and will be coordinated through emergency services to ensure the safety of both residents and responders. 

Anyone seeking information or assistance is encouraged to use the Information Centre at Westleton Village Hall as their first point of contact.

The public is still asked to stay away from the incident area. Keeping roads and footpaths clear allows emergency services to continue operating safely and efficiently, while maintaining access for firefighting vehicles and personnel. Road and footpath restrictions remain in place and should continue to be respected.

Update (11:15am, 3 August)

The incident at Dunwich remains stable, with fire crews expected to remain on scene over the coming days - this continues to be treated as a Major Incident.

Overnight, crews worked to identify and extinguish hotspots across the heath, supported by drone technology.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service continues to receive support from National Resilience resources, with six pumping appliances operating overnight and ten during daylight hours, alongside specialist vehicles and off-road capabilities.

Local farmers continue to provide valuable support, including water supplies to assist firefighting operations.

A firefighting helicopter has been deployed today and is scheduled to return tomorrow to help tackle hotspots in hard-to-reach areas.

The Information Centre at Westleton Village Hall remained open over the weekend, and will be open on Monday, for those affected by incident. Please note the RSPB Visitor Centre is closed and will remain closed all this week. 

Residents and visitors are urged to continue avoiding the area. Keeping away from the scene helps emergency services operate safely and efficiently while maintaining clear access for emergency vehicles and personnel.

An Amber Heat-Health Alert is in place for early this week. Health partners are encouraging the public to follow NHS guidance on staying safe in hot weather and to take extra care of those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat.

An update from UK Power Networks (6:45pm, 2 August)

Following confirmation from the fire service that it is safe to restore power to the final five customers affected by the wildfire, our engineers are working to reconnect their supplies.

To carry out this work safely, we needed to temporarily turn off power to 111 customers in the local area. We will restore all supplies as quickly as possible.

UPDATE: power was restored to all properties by 7:15pm

UPDATE (3:50pm, 2 August)

The incident at Dunwich remains stable. However, this is still a live Major Incident, and emergency services expect to remain on scene well into next week as firefighting operations continue and conditions are closely monitored.

We continue to ask the public to stay away from the area. Roads and footpaths remain closed, and emergency services need clear access to continue their work safely and efficiently. As operations are expected to continue for a number of days, it is important that people do not travel to the area.

Ten fire appliances, alongside support vehicles, remain deployed during daylight hours. Overnight, this will reduce to six appliances, with those additional support vehicles.

National support resources will also continue to assist the response.

The firefighting helicopter is due to return later this afternoon and again tomorrow to continue to help tackle areas that are difficult to access from the ground.

Looking ahead, we are also monitoring forecast weather conditions, with much hotter temperatures expected on Tuesday.

With an Amber Heat-Health Alert in place for early next week, health partners are encouraging everyone to follow NHS advice on staying well this summer and advice for vulnerable people.

UPDATE (10:00am, 2 August)

The incident at Dunwich remains stable.

Firefighting activity continued overnight, with crews actively responding to hotspots that emerged across the site.

As planned, resources were increased to 10 fire appliances from 9am today to support daytime operations, with monitoring and firefighting activity ongoing.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service continues to be supported by resources from across the country.

Despite the ongoing incident, the Service remains able to respond to other emergency calls, with appropriate cover continuing to be maintained across Suffolk.

This remains a live incident. Please continue to stay away from the area.

Roads and footpaths remain closed, and keeping away from the scene helps ensure emergency services can operate safely and efficiently while maintaining clear access for our vehicles and personnel.

Update (9:45pm, 1 August)

The situation at the incident remains stable, despite variable winds during the day.

Following the progress made today, including the completion of a firebreak around the site, firefighting resources will be reduced overnight to six fire appliances.

This reflects the conditions being seen on the ground and the effectiveness of the work carried out so far.

Overnight, those crews will continue to monitor the area and damp down any hotspots that flare up.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service remains fully able to respond to other emergency calls overnight, with cover in place across the county.

This remains a live incident. Please continue to stay away from the area, as roads and footpaths remain closed. By following this advice, you are helping to keep access routes clear and enabling emergency services to operate safely and efficiently.

UPDATE (6:40pm, 1 August)

The response to the fire continues, with a continuous presence 10 to 12 fire appliances, two water carriers and two off-road vehicles currently deployed on site.

Around 90 to 100 firefighters and personnel remain at the scene and are fully resourced to continue operations.

Firebreaks, up to 12 metres wide, have now been completed around the perimeter of the site, and measures remain in place to protect nearby buildings. Crews continue to respond to smaller fires as they occur, with proactive plans in place to anticipate and respond to any changes in conditions.

This remains a live incident. Roads and footpaths in the area remain closed, and we continue to ask members of the public to stay away from the area.

Walkers, dog walkers, cyclists and drone users have been seen nearby. By staying away, you are helping to keep access routes clear and allowing emergency services to operate safely and efficiently.

The Information Centre at Westleton Village Hall is now closed for today and will reopen on Sunday from 8am to 5pm.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.

UPDATE (12:40pm, 1 August)

The situation remains stable, although firefighting operations continue and crews are responding to hotspots where they emerge.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and supporting agencies have the resources they need on scene, and work continues to create a large firebreak around the perimeter of the site.

Roads and footpaths in the area remain closed.

Thank you to everyone who is staying away from the local area. By continuing to do so, you are helping to keep roads clear and enabling emergency services to operate safely and efficiently.

UPDATE (10:50am, 1 August)

The situation remains stable, with crews expected to remain on scene for the next two to three days.

Ten fire appliances are currently deployed, and there are no current concerns for Dunwich. Helicopter support has been requested to assist the ongoing response.

Westleton Village Hall is now open as an Information Centre (8am to 5pm). East Suffolk Council officers are on site and available to provide welfare support.

We would also like to recognise some examples of the significant support being provided by voluntary sector partners:

• Rapid Relief Team served 175 meals last night and is providing welfare supplies
• REACT is helping to secure accommodation
• The British Red Cross Norfolk team has delivered towels to support those affected
• SuLSaR is supporting firefighters with drone imagery
• The Salvation Army is providing on-site welfare and catering

Thank you to all emergency responders, partner organisations and volunteers supporting the efforts.

UPDATE (6:15am, 1 August)

Following positive firefighting action yesterday and the creation of further firebreaks, resources were able to reduce to eight appliances on scene for overnight operations.

Crews maintained a watching brief and monitoring for any further fire development, across three sectors.

With the weekend here, we continue to ask members of the public to avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Local roads and footpaths remain closed.

Update (7:45pm, 31 July)

Fire crews remain at the scene and good progress is continuing.

Support from the firefighting helicopter has helped tackle areas that are hard-to-reach, while substantial firebreaks have been created to help contain the fire through the night.

As the situation continues to stabilise, plans are being developed to reduce the number of fire service resources on scene overnight, although a number of crews will remain in place.

The vast majority of people displaced by the incident have now been able to collect their vehicles and belongings and are travelling home. As a result, the Rest Centre at Westleton Village Hall will close at 7pm this evening. The hall will reopen at 8am to 5pm on Saturday as an Information Centre.

The Dunwich Flower Festival, which was due to take place this weekend, has been cancelled.

The public is still asked to stay away from the area to avoid congestion and allow emergency services to continue their work safely.

Health advice remains unchanged: if you are affected by smoke, please keep doors and windows closed.

Update (4:30pm, 31 July)

Crews remain at the scene, but thanks to intensive firefighting efforts, support from the helicopter, and the creation of fire breaks, an earlier identified risk to buildings around the Coastguard Cottages area has stabilised. Importantly, no properties have been lost.

The helicopter is continuing to tackle hotspots in areas that are difficult to reach, while work has been underway to help evacuated holiday park residents safely collect vehicles and essential belongings through a phased process and police-led convoys.

There have been no reported casualties or injuries to members of the public or emergency responders.

The smoke plume has changed direction during the day. Health advice remains unchanged: if you are affected by smoke, please keep windows and doors closed.

While the incident remains significant and resource intensive - and is still classified as a Major Incident for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk Resilience Forum partners - conditions are currently improving and planning for the recovery phase has begun.

Firefighters and partner agencies will continue to monitor the weather and situation closely over the coming days.

Thank you to everyone affected for your patience and cooperation.

Update (2:00pm, 31 July)

Good progress to tackle the fire on the ground continues and this afternoon, we will once again be deploying a helicopter to help with firefighting efforts. This allows us to drop around 1,000 litres of seawater with every pass.

This additional support from the air helps us to reach those areas of heathland and forest where access is incredibly difficult on foot or by vehicle.

Again, we thank all services who are providing resources to support the firefighting efforts, as the situation continues to stabilise.

With favourable weather conditions, we now have a short window of opportunity to enable some residents – under police escort – to return to their properties to collect essential belongings and vehicles.

However, this incident remains dynamic and potentially changeable.

With that in mind, we remind everyone that with a number of roads and footpaths in the area remaining closed until at least Monday, we once again ask people to stay away from the area to allow firefighting to continue.

Update (1:30pm, 31 July)

Statement from Councillor Tristan Gale, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service

"Having spent time in the control room yesterday and received updates directly from incident commanders throughout the evening, I have seen first-hand the scale of this incident and the extraordinary effort being made to bring it under control.

“I am pleased that, with favourable weather conditions and the tireless work of firefighters and partner organisations, the situation is now in a more stable and manageable position. While there remains a significant operation underway, progress is being made.

“I want to thank everyone involved in the response, including Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, neighbouring fire services, police, ambulance colleagues, local authorities, the Salvation Army, EDF Sizewell, volunteers and many others who have come together to support affected communities.

“The use of specialist resources, including heavy machinery and aerial support, has played an important role in helping crews tackle this fire.

“Most importantly, I would like to pay tribute to our firefighters and support staff, who have worked around the clock in extremely challenging conditions to protect lives, homes and infrastructure.

“This fire has had a devastating impact on an area of Suffolk's countryside that is treasured by residents and visitors alike, including valuable heathland and wildlife habitat. It is deeply upsetting to see such significant environmental damage.

“At the same time, we have seen the very best of Suffolk. Local communities have rallied together to support one another, opening their doors, checking on neighbours and helping those affected by the incident. Their kindness and resilience have been remarkable.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely over the coming days and support the ongoing response. On behalf of Suffolk County Council, I would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication, professionalism and community spirit."

Update (11:00am, 31 July)

The incident at Dunwich Heath remains changeable. Crews are making good progress in very hot conditions - from both above and below - and the situation is currently stable.

We are still operating under a Major Incident as declared by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk Resilience Forum, and we continue to ask you to stay away from the area.

Between 12 and 15 fire engines, along with support vehicles, are at the scene this morning. Favourable weather conditions have helped crews make good progress against the fire.

We expect the response to continue through the weekend and possibly into next week. If this progress continues, we expect to be able to gradually reduce the number of resources at the scene.

As mentioned in our earlier update, fire and rescue assets from across the country are supporting the response, and additional resources are ready to be called upon if needed.

Roads and footpaths in the area remain closed until further notice.

We are discussing arrangements for evacuated residents to return and collect personal belongings and vehicles. This will only happen when it is safe to do so.

At this stage, there are no plans for any further evacuations.

We are in regular contact with Sizewell B, and there continues to be no cause for concern.

Update (8:50am, 31 July)

Responding to the wildfire at Dunwich Heath has taken a huge team effort, and we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received.

In particular, we'd like to thank the fire and rescue services that have sent firefighters, specialist equipment and resources to work alongside our crews. We are incredibly grateful for the support they have provided during this challenging incident.

• Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
• Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
• London Fire Brigade
• West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
• East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
• Surrey Fire and Rescue Service
• Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service

We would also like to thank the many local businesses, farmers, volunteers, community groups and partner agencies who have stepped forward to help. Whether it's been donating food and drinks, lending equipment, providing practical support, or helping to look after those affected by the incident, people have gone above and beyond.

Update (5:20am, 31 July)

Crews and officers remained at the incident overnight, with a number of relief crews arriving on scene throughout, as part of a rolling programme.

Trigger points for fire were identified and mapped yesterday evening. Crews are working across three sectors, and maintained a watching brief during darkness.

Update (10:20pm, 30 July)

A minimum of 12 fire engines (with full command support) will remain on scene overnight. This is to manage smaller fires that are breaking out, which crews are dealing with.

The helicopter is still in use, and will be available tomorrow. Each pass drops 1000 litres of seawater.

Although this remains a dynamic incident, the situation appears to be stabilizing and we believe we are in a better position than earlier this evening at 5pm.

Power is back on at 111 of the 116 affected properties.

Our fire control team is getting a lot of calls about the smell of smoke at properties nearby. This is to be expected as night falls and smoke/ash drops to the ground.

We are reiterating our safety messages about keeping doors/windows closed, and calling 999 if in danger.

Update (6:30pm, 30 July)

Although the fire is dynamic, it remains stable and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is making good progress and confident that tactics are working and moving in the right direction.

Six appliances from London Fire Brigade will be joining the efforts.

Update (5:30pm, 30 July)

The area affected by the wildfire has now grown to around 150 hectares. Changing wind conditions continue to affect the direction and behaviour of the fire, making it difficult to predict how it may spread.

Firefighters continue to work with support from our neighbours in the region. We have also requested additional national support, including wildfire specialist appliances, officers, and tactical advisors.

Around 50 people have received support through the rest centre, which remains open.

We expect the response to continue for at least the next 48 hours. While some rain is possible overnight, several more dry days are forecast.

Update (5:00pm, 30 July)

UKHSA has released the following health advice.

Residents in areas affected by the smoke should stay indoors and keep their doors and windows closed. Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.

Some of the substances present in smoke can irritate the lining of the air passages, the skin and the eyes. Respiratory symptoms can include coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain, if you experience any of these contact your GP or call NHS 111.

Chemicals in the smoke can worsen existing health problems like asthma so people are encouraged to carry their inhaler with them.

Due to hot weather, we advise extra precautions:

• Draw curtains to limit direct sunlight heating-up internal surfaces.
• Use fans to recirculate air within the house to help keep cool.
• Keep hydrated with cool drinks.
• Set any air conditioning (preferably fitted with a HEPA filter) to recirculate mode.
• Once the smoke has moved away: consider opening doors and windows to allow properties to cool down, being mindful of changing conditions. The smoke may have moved away but it could just be a brief respite and could return. It is important to listen to ongoing public advice about ventilating your property.

Update (4:00pm, 30 July) 

We continue to work in extremely challenging conditions at Dunwich Heath.

Eighteen fire engines and 120 firefighters are involved in the response, but difficult terrain and limited access routes are making it hard for crews to reach some areas of the wildfire.

The fire remains fast moving, and crews are working hard to contain it and protect surrounding areas.

Due to the wildfire, UKPN has announced a power cut to three postcodes, affecting 116 customers, which they are investigating and fixing. UKPN has not yet confirmed when the power will be back on and has communicated with customers. 

Update (1:00pm, 30 July) 

A Major Incident remains in place as Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service continues to respond to the wildfire at Dunwich Heath.

The fire currently covers around 100 hectares, with 18 fire engines and supporting resources at the scene. Firefighters are continuing their efforts to contain the fire in challenging conditions.

Some residents who have been evacuated are being supported at a rest centre, while many more have self-evacuated.

Residents and visitors are asked to stay away from the area to allow emergency services to carry out their work safely and effectively.

Update (10:30am, 30 July)

Firefighting operations have been strengthened in response to changing wind conditions. Winds are currently from the north-west and are expected to become variable during the early hours as a change in the weather moves through the area. A number of properties at risk from fire and smoke are being evacuated.

The following road closures remain in place:

• Full closure: Junction of Minsmere Road and Westleton Road
• Partial closures: Dunwich Road and Walk Barn Farm Lane
• Mill Road and Hard Piece Lane: closed towards Dunwich

Once again, members of the public are advised to avoid the area to allow our teams to carry out their essential work.

Update (7:30am, 30 July)

At this time there is no current risk to Sizewell B, due to the distance from the fire and the direction it is travelling (Easterly). However, this is a live and dynamic situation and as a result any further updates will be shared accordingly.

Update (6:00am, 30 July)

Following the update throughout the night, all individuals have been evacuated successfully.

We are advising all those who have been displaced as a result of the fire to attend Westleton Village Hall at 08:00am for further updates.

Residents are advised to stay clear of the area for their own safety and to allow our teams and partner agencies to carry out their essential work.

Update (12:15am, 30 July)

Firefighters remain at the scene, with relief crews now in attendance to maintain firefighting operations. The incident ground has been reorganised into a number of sectors to support the ongoing response.

As a precaution, crews have been focused on protecting properties including Coastguard Cottages, Mount Pleasant Farm and Cliff House Holiday Park. Preparations were also made for the potential evacuation of around 200 caravans at the holiday park should conditions require it.

Specialist drone support is being used to help assess fire behaviour and support operational decision-making through the night.

Members of the public are still advised to avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

Update (10:30pm, 29 July)

Approximately 70 firefighters from Suffolk Fire and Rescue remain on site tackling the large wildfire. A Major Incident has been declared due to the size of the fire. Fire crews are working in coordination with mulitple emergency services to ensure the public are kept safe.

Once again, members of the public are advised to avoid the area to allow our teams to carry out their essential work.