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.
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.
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 (06:00am, 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 (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 (8:00 am, 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.
