Firefighters have reduced the number of pumping appliances attending the heathland blaze near Dunwich after cutting wide firebreaks around the perimeter, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said.
Containment work and current status
The fire, which began on Wednesday evening, reached a peak size of about 150 hectares — roughly the area of 210 football pitches — before crews concentrated on containment. Ditches as wide as 12 metres (39ft) were excavated through the surrounding vegetation to act as firebreaks and prevent further spread.
SFRS reported that after increasing resources earlier in the response, the number of appliances in attendance was reduced overnight. Six appliances remained through the early hours, down from eight the previous night, and then resources were again increased to 10 appliances from 09:00 BST to support daytime operations.
"Despite the ongoing incident, the service remains able to respond to other emergency calls, with appropriate cover continuing to be maintained across Suffolk,"
Officers emphasised that the incident is still live and urged people to stay away from the area so that emergency crews can operate safely and maintain access for vehicles and personnel. Roads and footpaths in the vicinity remain closed while monitoring and hotspot extinguishment continue.
Environmental and community impact
The blaze affected tinder-dry material on heathland, destroying natural habitat and affecting wildlife, including species of conservation concern in the area. The flames came close to Cliff House Holiday Park, which was evacuated earlier in the week.
Conservation organisations have warned of damage to rare habitats. The National Trust has launched an appeal to support recovery work on Dunwich Heath, while RSPB Minsmere — where the fire is believed to have started — is home to species such as avocets, bearded tits and bitterns whose habitats have been threatened.
Practical information for residents and visitors
- Do not approach the scene: keep clear to allow emergency services to operate and maintain vehicle access.
- Avoid nearby roads and footpaths which remain closed until authorities declare them safe.
- Follow updates from SFRS and local authorities for changes to closures and safety advice.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Peak area burned | About 150 hectares |
| Firebreak width | Up to 12 metres (39ft) |
| Appliances (overnight) | 6 (down from 8) |
| Daytime resources | Increased to 10 appliances from 09:00 BST |
Emergency responders continue to monitor hotspots and undertake suppression work. The public is asked to respect exclusion zones and to report any sightings of smoke or fire to the emergency services.
The incident underscores how quickly tinder-dry heathland can ignite and the combined pressures on emergency services and conservation efforts when wildfires strike sensitive coastal habitats.
