Suffolk’s emergency services were called to a large and fast-moving field fire near East Bergholt on Saturday evening that burnt through roughly 80 hectares of cut straw, trees and hedgerow.
Crews from across Suffolk mobilised
The first report of the blaze came in at about 6.48pm on Putticks Lane. At the height of the incident, crews from stations across the county were tackling the flames. One account states that 18 appliances and firefighters from towns including Ipswich, Sudbury, Hadleigh, Felixstowe and Bury St Edmunds were deployed. Other reports list a similar large multi-station response with at least 14 engines attending from locations such as Ipswich East, Holbrook, Stowmarket and Long Melford.
Firefighters worked for more than four hours to bring the incident under control. A stop message was issued at 10.42pm, after crews used multiple pieces of equipment to tackle the advancing fire front.
Impact on local area and safety measures
The blaze spread rapidly in the dry conditions of the evening, producing thick black smoke and prompting the temporary closure of the road between Heath Road and Mill Road. Nearby residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut while crews worked in the area.
"A few simple precautions can make a huge difference in protecting Suffolk’s countryside, communities, and wildlife."
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service used photographs and a social media post to highlight how quickly wildfires can escalate and to thank crews and control staff for their coordination. The service urged people to take straightforward precautions when using the countryside to reduce the risk of ignition.
- Dispose of cigarettes and matches safely.
- Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.
- Do not use disposable barbecues outside designated areas.
- Never light fires in unsuitable locations.
- If you spot a fire, move to a safe distance and call 999; use the what3words app to give an exact location.
Response details
Group and station names reported on social channels and in local briefings indicate a county-wide response. One public statement shared on social media thanked firefighters and control staff for their work in containing what it described as a challenging incident:
"A huge thank you to our firefighters for their great work in containing this challenging fire from spreading further and to our control staff who co-ordinated resources whilst responding to multiple 999 calls."
Fire crews emphasised that the current hot and dry weather can make fires particularly aggressive and fast-moving, increasing the risk to nearby properties, livestock and wildlife if left unchecked.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Putticks Lane, East Bergholt |
| Estimated area burned | About 80 hectares |
| First report | Approximately 6.48pm |
| Incident declared under control | Stop message issued at 10.42pm |
Residents who use Suffolk’s countryside are being reminded that seemingly small actions — a discarded cigarette, a hot car exhaust on grass, or a disposable barbecue — can trigger incidents that demand a large emergency response and threaten homes, farms and natural habitats.
Anyone witnessing a fire is asked to prioritise personal safety, withdraw to a safe distance and call 999, giving precise location details where possible so crews can be directed quickly.
