Large fire on coastal heath declared major incident
A fast-moving wildfire on Dunwich Heath, close to Leiston, has been declared a major incident after it broke out on Wednesday afternoon. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said about 90 firefighters were working to control a large, wind-driven blaze that is spreading south-west towards St James's Church, off Westleton Road.
The fire is affecting a nature reserve area owned by the National Trust and lies close to the internationally important RSPB Minsmere reserve. Both organisations are assisting emergency services. Authorities have asked people to stay away from the area and to keep roads clear so crews can operate.
"Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles,"
Response and precautions
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service described the incident as complex because of its size and the speed at which it is moving. Crews are using a range of equipment, including off-road vehicles, drones and quad bikes, to access and tackle the fire across the broken terrain.
- Personnel: Around 90 firefighters deployed
- Equipment in use: off-road vehicles, drones, quad bikes
- Area of concern: spreading south-west towards St James's Church, Westleton Road
- Organisations involved: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, National Trust, nearby RSPB reserve
- Public advice: avoid Westleton Heath, Mount Pleasant, Westleton Walks and main bridleways; keep windows and doors closed
Health and environmental context
The blaze comes amid a period of unusually hot, dry weather across much of eastern England. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert covering the east, east midlands, south east and London. Dry conditions and strong winds increase fire risk and complicate firefighting efforts on open heathland.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Declared | Major incident |
| Location | Dunwich Heath, near Leiston (towards Westleton Road) |
| Firefighting resources | ~90 personnel; off-road vehicles, drones, quad bikes |
Local residents and visitors are urged to follow directions from emergency services, avoid the affected routes and keep windows and doors closed to reduce smoke ingress. Where possible, people with respiratory conditions should take particular care and remain indoors until the situation is resolved.
InfoRadar will update this story as further information is released by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and partner organisations.
