A “fast-moving” wildfire in Suffolk has spread to cover an area the size of 210 football pitches, according to fire chiefs, who expect to be tackling the blaze for up to another 48 hours.
The Sizewell B nuclear power plant nearby is on alert as flames and smoke tear through Dunwich Heath, where at least 90 firefighters are battling the blaze.
Authorities have declared a major incident and residents in about 200 coastal properties and caravans were forced to leave. Many were put up by villagers three miles away.
Nuclear chiefs at EDF, who are understood to be monitoring the situation, said there was currently no risk to the power station.
The smoke and flames have also spread to the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, which includes nationally important wildlife habitats protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Prime minister Andy Burnham promised that firefighters in Suffolk would have all the resources they needed. Green Party leader Zack Polanski called for Andy Burnham to call an emergency Cobra meeting.
Have you been affected by the wildfire in Suffolk? We’d like to hear from you. Please email jane.dalton@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Fire spreads to cover area as big as 210 football pitches
- Sizewell B operator denies nuclear power plant on high alert
- Burnham pledges fire crews will have everything they need
- Drought extended across all of Wales
- In pictures: Smoke billows over Suffolk as Dunwich Heath in flames
- Firefighters will continue to tackle blaze for 24 to 48 hours, fire chief says
Villagers put up people forced from homes overnight
19:31 , Jane DaltonVillagers living just over three miles from Dunwich Heath opened their doors to strangers who had been forced from their homes and gave them beds for the night.
Paul Ashton, deputy leader of East Suffolk Council, said the community response had been outstanding.
He said many people had left their static caravans and had probably gone home.
But he said: “We’ve got 40 people at Westleton – so Westleton village hall is acting as a rest centre.
“The villagers of Westleton last night put up all of those people in their own homes, so all 47.
“No one had to sleep in the village hall. They’ve cooked them breakfast, they’ve cooked them lunch, they’re planning on what to get them for supper.”
Mr Ashton added: “I think the local community has been outstanding in their response, and I think all those affected are really appreciative of what the people of Westleton have done.”
Half of England in drought – what does it mean for you?
19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHalf of England is officially in drought after record low rain and high temperatures, the Environment Agency has said.
Seven areas across central, eastern and southern England have been declared as in drought, including East Anglia, Hertfordshire, London, Thames Valley, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Devon & Cornwall, the West Midlands and Wessex – the latter of which covers Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and south Gloucestershire.
July is set to be the driest month on record, with England having just 7 per cent of expected rainfall, and southern England seeing just 1 per cent.
Half of England in drought – what does it mean for you?
Dozens of people seek emergency shelter
18:29 , Jane DaltonA 75-year-old woman who has been helping people forced to leave their homes said she saw smoke billowing up until lunchtime today.
Dilys Hall said 47 people with eight dogs arrived looking for accommodation in Westleton, where the village hall is being used as a rest centre.
Ms Hall described the evacuees as “bemused”, adding: “They didn’t expect this, and neither did we, but we were there and we were able to help.
“They were all concerned but they all realised that until the morning came, and things settled down a bit, there wasn’t a lot that could be done.
“At lunchtime it became clear that the fire was serious enough that nobody was going to be able to get back, particularly to Cliff House (Holiday Park), which was where a lot of the evacuees have come from, until at least late afternoon tomorrow, and possibly later than that.”
She described the smoke “billowing up” in the distance, adding: “You could see flames from higher up in the village.
“We thought that by today, the flames and the smoke would have died down, but in fact, the smoke was still billowing up at lunchtime.”
Fire as big as 210 football pitches
18:15 , Jane DaltonThe area affected by the Suffolk fire has grown to 150 hectares, the equivalent of about 210 football pitches, according to the fire service.
They still expect the major incident response to carry on for another 48 hours at least.
“Changing wind conditions continue to affect the direction and behaviour of the fire, making it difficult to predict how it may spread,” they said.
“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 advisers.”
They said that although some rain is possible overnight, several more dry days were forecast.
National Trust urges government not to back down on net zero policies amid 'horror' wildfires
18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe National Trust has called for urgent adaptation to climate extremes – and warned the government not to back down on action to cut emissions – as the UK battles the latest wildfires brought on by hot dry conditions, and half of England and Wales are now in drought.
The charity’s intervention comes in the wake of 200 blazes nationwide in the past fortnight, include large areas of National Trust landscapes such as on the Isle of Wight and currently at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk.
Hilary McGrady, director-general at the National Trust said: “We’ve all been watching in horror as our neighbours in Europe are battling the most extreme fires.
“Fires like these might once have seemed unthinkable in Europe and the UK – but that certainty is gone.”
She called for urgent adaptation to the new conditions, including building homes fit for the future, creating wetter and more resilient landscapes, cooling towns and cities and helping communities to prepare for the changing weather.
“It means taking steps now to protect our health, our heritage and our way of life,” she urged. “But while we must adapt, we mustn’t accept these conditions as “normal” and become desensitised to the underlying issue while there is still time to change course.
“Every nation has to tackle the problem at source – and that means leaving fossil fuels in the ground. Andy Burnham and his government must not stall in their response. The UK has responded to enormous challenges over the last century, and with enough will and strong leadership, it can do so again,” she urged.
Burnham pledges fire crews will have everything they need
17:30 , Jane DaltonFirefighters in Suffolk will have all the support they need, the prime minister has pledged.
Andy Burnham, visiting Cumbria, said: “We’ve got the situation under close monitoring, and I’m receiving regular updates.
“It is a very serious incident.
“I will make sure that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service have all of the support, the mutual aid, the other services that they need, and any other resources that need to be brought to bear.”
July on course to be driest in 190 years in Wales
17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDrought has now been declared across the whole of Wales, with this month on course to be the driest July in Wales since records began 190 years ago, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said.
North Wales and the Upper Severn were given drought status last week and, after continued low rainfall and high temperatures, this has now been extended to include the whole of the country, the devolved Government agency said.
The majority of rivers across Wales are exceptionally low, and the dry conditions are leading to river beds drying out, distressing fish, causing algal blooms, and raising concerns from farmers about crop growth, the body said.
It added there were also concerns about grazing conditions and levels of drinking water for livestock, it added.
Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager at NRW, said: “The intensity of the heat and the exceptional lack of rainfall means this is a rapidly changing picture in Wales.
“Our teams are closely monitoring forecasts and river flows and responding to increasing environmental concerns and incidents across Wales.
“The toll on the environment, our land and agriculture is clear to see, with many of our teams still dealing with the aftermath of extensive wildfires which have devastated forestry, grassland and special habitats.
“With no strong indications for notable rainfall in the forecasts, and risks of further heatwaves over the summer, it’s more important than ever that we all use water wisely. Every drop we waste is less water for our rivers and wildlife when they need it the most.”
Suffolk received only two per cent of average monthly rainfall in July, Met Office says
16:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSuffolk has only received two per cent of its average monthly rainfall for July so far, the Met Office has said.
It added other counties have recorded as low as one per cent or zero per cent of average rainfall for July, with tomorrow being the last day of the month.
Suffolk has also recorded 36 per cent of its average summer rainfall this year, with summer being recorded from the start of June to the end of August, the Met Office said.
“There were some rain showers on the 1st/2nd and again 15th/16th,” a spokesperson for the forecaster said on Thursday.
“Some showers, possibly heavy are possible this evening and into the early hours of Friday.
“Further showers are likely next week, possibly thundery, but with showers not everywhere see the rain.”
Parts of Suffolk suffer power cuts amid wildfire
16:36 , Nicole Wootton-CanePower has been cut to three postcodes in Suffolk as firefighters tackle a wildfire near to a nuclear power station in the area of Dunwich Heath, the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has said.
The power currently affects 116 customers and teams from the UK Power Networks (UKPN) are working to fix the issue.
UKPN has not yet confirmed when the power will be back on and has communicated with customers, the fire service added in an update on Thursday afternoon.
“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,” it said.
“The fire remains fast moving, and crews are working hard to contain it and protect surrounding areas.”
This month busiest July on record for wildfires in England and Wales, fire chiefs say
16:31 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThis month has been the busiest on record for wildfires in England and Wales, with nearly 400 recorded so far.
Fire chiefs said the number of wildfires this year has already reached the total number for the whole of 2021 (223), 2023 (293), and 2024 (200) combined.
A warning issued by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said wildfires are becoming an “increasingly significant and sustained pressure” on fire and rescue services.
Phil Garrigan, Chair of the NFCC, said: “We have already responded to more than 700 wildfires this year, and every one of those incidents places additional pressure on firefighters and fire and rescue services across the country.
“These fires can burn for days, often in remote locations, challenging terrain and extreme temperatures. They demand significant resources, tie up crews for prolonged periods and reduce opportunities for firefighters to rest and recover between incidents.
“Wildfires are no longer isolated or seasonal events. They are becoming a recurring and growing feature of the risks facing our communities and emergency services. As climate and environmental conditions continue to change, we must ensure our fire and rescue services are equipped to meet that challenge.
“That means sustained investment in specialist training, modern equipment, national resilience capabilities and the research and technology needed to improve our prevention, preparedness and response. We cannot afford to treat wildfires as an emerging risk any longer. They are a reality now, and our national capability must evolve accordingly.”
In pictures: Emergency services at the scene of the wildfire
16:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Scale of fire 'unprecedented in living memory', RSPB manager says
16:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe RSPB Suffolk area manager has said the scale of the blaze is “unprecedented in living memory” and the damage to the nature reserve is “quite devastating”.
Speaking near RSPB’s Minsmere reserve, Adam Rowlands said: “It’s been tinder dry so with the drought conditions, all the vegetation, the ground is extremely dry and so once this fire took off, it spread dramatically and quickly.
“It’s spreading through the pine trees, so in places that’s 20 metres high.”
Mr Rowlands said the affected land, some of which is managed by the National Trust and the RSPB, was home to rare wildlife including nightjars and it would take “more than a decade” for the habitat to recover.
He added: “It’s been years of effort to get the habitats in such good condition.
“You know, the record numbers of nightjars and Dartford warblers and nightingales breeding on the site this summer – so years of hard work to get those bird populations to really evolve, and then absolutely devastated and wiped out by this one event, so it’s really heartbreaking for the team and all the effort they do.”
Cairngorms firefighters make 'significant' progress
16:00 , Jane DaltonFire crews in Scotland say they are making significant progress tackling a wildfire in the Cairngorms that broke out two weeks ago.
A number of homes in the remote region were evacuated as plumes of smoke billowed into the sky.
Swathes of trees, heather and grasslands have been left charred and blackened.
Met Office weather forecast suggests when it could finally rain across UK
15:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAs half of England has officially declared drought following a series of sweltering heatwaves, the nation is desperate to know one thing: when will it rain?
Wednesday was another blisteringly hot day with temperatures recorded above 35C in the hottest areas, marking the seventh time this year that the mercury has rocketed above the mid-30s.
July is set to be England’s driest month on record, as the Environment Agency described the conditions affecting up to 28 million people as a “flash drought”.
But some good news has finally arrived as temperatures are set to take a slight dip towards the end of the week, bringing more average weather for this time of year, and perhaps some rain.
You can read more below:
Met Office weather forecast suggests when it could finally rain across UK
Watch: Live coverage of the wildfire at Dunwich Heath
15:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDrought extended across all of Wales
15:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA drought has been declared across all of Wales as Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said sustained high temperatures were causing the condition of the natural environment to "deteriorate".
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said: “This is the third change in drought status in as many weeks and reflects how quickly conditions have deteriorated during this exceptionally warm and dry period”.
The main catchments affected by the change to ‘drought’ status today include:
- Wye (Wales)
- Usk
- Valleys and Vale of Glamorgan
- Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend
- Swansea and Llanelli
- Carmarthenshire
- Pembrokeshire
- Teifi
- North Ceredigion
Polanski calls on PM to host emergency Cobra meeting over wildfires
15:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGreen Party leader Zack Polanski has called for Andy Burnham to host an emergency Cobra meeting to discuss the outbreak of wildfires in Great Britain, including in Suffolk.
“Across the country terrifying wildfires are raging, forcing people to leave their homes not knowing what they will come back to find,” Mr Polanski said.
“Thousands of people have been killed by deadly temperatures in the most extreme heatwaves we’ve ever faced.
“And yet our prime minister is silent in the face of this existential threat.
“Burnham should call a Cobra meeting and set out urgently how his government will keep people safe amid this crisis.”
Nuclear power station on alert over wildfires
15:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNuclear power station Sizewell B is on alert over ongoing wildfires nearby its Suffolk site.
EDF energy, which operates the site, said it is monitoring the situation but that there is currently no risk to the plant.
In pictures: The battle against the flames at Dunwich Heath
15:00 , Jane Dalton
Wildfire 'serious incident' that will have 'all the support' it needs, PM says
14:33 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSuffolk Fire and Rescue Service will have “all the support” it needs to deal with the wildfire near the coast, the prime minister has pledged.
Speaking to reporters, Andy Burnham said: “We’ve got the situation under close monitoring, and I’m receiving regular updates.
“It is a very serious incident. I will make sure that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service have all of the support, the mutual aid, the other services that they need, and any other resources that need to be brought to bear.”
Fire chiefs can't say when people will be allowed to return home
14:23 , Jane DaltonFire chiefs say they cannot predict when residents will be able to return to homes they were forced to evacuate.
Cliff House Holiday Park, containing some 200 caravans, was completely evacuated as a precaution.
“We won't advise people to go back to their properties until it's absolutely safe to do so," said chief fire officer Jon Lacey.
“But we will do that as quickly as we possibly can to make sure they get back to their belongings and back to normality.”
He said it was difficult to say when they would be able to return.
Some people had left their homes voluntarily, while others left on the advice of fire crews.
Some 46 people were at the evacuation centre.
Help from other fire services to be drafted in
14:16 , Jane DaltonFire chiefs say they will start calling on other fire services in the UK to relieve crews working at Dunwich Heath.
Suffolk's chief fire officer Jon Lacey said: "We're now at the point where the crews need relieving”.
He added: “They need their respirators to keep them safe and sound so we do now start to pull up on our regional resources from other fire services.”
He said: “We’re expecting an ask to go in for national resources, which come from further away.”
Flames attack RSPB Minsmere
13:51 , Jane DaltonThe Suffolk blaze has spread to parts of the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, which staff say will be closed until further notice.
Trees have been blackened and ground scorched.
Reserve staff wrote on social media: “Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is currently dealing with a significant fire at Minsmere, which started late on Wednesday afternoon near Dunwich Heath.
“Due to hot, windy conditions, the situation is changing rapidly and we urge everyone to avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
“Local residents are also advised to keep windows and doors closed where possible.
“We're incredibly grateful to the fire service and all partners responding to this incident.”
And they begged people to take extra care outdoors, warning it takes only a single spark to start a wildfire.
Sizewell C issues update on wildfire
13:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSizewell C, a nuclear power station currently under construction, has said it is at “low risk” of being affected by the ongoing wildfire but that it is “continuously assessing smoke conditions”.
In a post on social media, a spokesperson said: “We are closely monitoring the fire at Dunwich Heath, which currently poses a low risk to Sizewell C due to its distance from the site and the watercourses in between.
“Our sites and offices remain open and operating as normal. We are continuously assessing smoke conditions and any impacts on the road network to help keep people safe and ensure emergency services have priority access.
“We remain ready to support the local community, working closely with the local council, police and Fire and Rescue Service.”
It comes as EDF, the operator of Sizewell B, said the fire is “not currently affecting operations” at the station.
In pictures: Smoke covers Suffolk sky as firefighters tackle massive blaze
13:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
UK’s record-breaking heatwaves led to almost 3,000 deaths
13:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHeatwave-related deaths in the UK have almost doubled this year compared to last summer, new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal.
A report estimates 2,877 heat-associated deaths occurred during the heatwaves in May and June alone.
This total includes an estimated 753 deaths linked to the May heatwave (24-27 May) and a further 2,124 during the June heatwave (21-28 June). These figures are nearly twice the number reported for the entire summer period of June to August last year.
You can read more below:
UK’s record-breaking heatwaves led to almost 3,000 deaths
Fire is covering 100 hectares as 18 fire engines continue to battle blaze
13:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe wildfire at Dunwich Heath is covering around 100 hectares - or 247 acres - as fire crews continue to tackle the blaze.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said it has 18 fire engines at the scene, working under what it called “challenging conditions”.
It added a number of residents have been evacuated, and others have chosen to self-evacuate.
Satellite pictures reveal huge impact of ‘exceptional’ UK drought and heatwaves
13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe UK is experiencing its second drought in two years as very low rainfall and high temperatures take a toll on the natural environment, water reserves, and public health.
There is an official drought in seven regions across England, the Environment Agency has confirmed, affecting up to 28 million people – almost half of the country’s population.
These areas are mostly located in the central, eastern and southern regions, but prolonged dry weather has also been declared across the North West and East Midlands.
You can read more below:
Satellite pictures reveal huge impact of ‘exceptional’ UK drought and heatwaves
Wildfire strikes two weeks after Reform UK council rescinds Climate Emergency declaration
12:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s Bryony Gooch reports:
The Dunwich Heath wildfire comes just two weeks after Suffolk County Council, which has been run by a majority of Reform UK councillors since May, decided to rescind its climate emergency declaration.
The council instead decided to review all climate, net zero and environmental programmes and partnerships, as well as the expenditure, and said it would report findings to the cabinet.
It also agreed to remove all references to a Climate Emergency removed from council policies, strategies and communications "where appropriate".
In a statement at the time, Reform UK councillor Morgan Brobyn said: "The choice at today’s council meeting was not between caring about the environment and not caring about the environment. It was about ensuring that environmental stewardship is practical, effective and focused on outcomes. That is the approach we will be taking as we move forward."
Suffolk County Council declared a Climate Emergency in March 2019.
The Met Office, along with a number of climate scientists, warned last year that severe heatwaves and droughts caused by climate change were making extreme wildfires more frequent and intense worldwide.
Apocalyptic pictures show devastation wreaked on Dunwich Heath
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Everything we know as blaze rages on Dunwich Heath
12:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane• Firefighters were called to the blaze at around 5:30pm on Wednesday and worked through the night
• Around 90 firefighters are still battling the blaze, with the public urged to avoid the area
•Fire crews are expected to be fighting the flames for at least another 24 to 48 hours, SFRS said in an update on Thursday
• More than 200 residents and holidaymakers have been evacuated, with many taking shelter at Westleton Village Hall
• No injuries have been reported, authorities said
What we don’t know:
• What caused the fire
• How long it will be until residents are allowed to return to their homes
Watch: Suffolk Fire Service issues update on Dunwich Heath blaze
12:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSizewell B operator denies reports nuclear power plant is on 'high alert'
12:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSizewell B’s operator has denied reports the nuclear power plant is on “high alert” following a change in wind direction in Suffolk this morning.
EDF energy said its position “remains unchanged and the site is not on high alert”.
“We are continuing to monitor the situation, but the fire at Dunwich Heath is not currently affecting operations at Sizewell B power station,” a spokesperson added.
Fire is 'deeply distressing incident', mayor says
12:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe wildfire raging on Dunwich Heath is a “deeply distressing incident”, the mayor of Aldeburgh, a nearby town, has said.
Councillor Kevin Webster said he and his fellow councillors are “hoping for positive news over the coming hours”.
He asked people to also “spare a thought for the wildlife and the precious habitat that has been affected”, calling it a “very sad day” for the local community.
“As Mayor of Aldeburgh, together with our Deputy Mayor, Cllrs and staff, I would like to say that our thoughts are very much with our retained fire crews and the crews from neighbouring towns who are working tirelessly to tackle the devastating fire on Dunwich Heath,” he said.
“This is a deeply distressing incident, and I know I speak on behalf of all my fellow councillors and community when I say how grateful and humbled we are by the courage, dedication and professionalism of everyone involved.
“We are all hoping for positive news over the coming hours and that the fire can be brought safely under control.
“Our thoughts are also with the communities of Westleton and Dunwich, the visitors staying at the nearby caravan park, and the teams from the RSPB and National Trust who are working hard to create firebreaks and limit the spread of the fire.
“I am sure everyone will join us in hoping for a safe conclusion to this incident as soon as possible.
“Please follow the advice and guidance given by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Please also spare a thought for the wildlife and the precious habitat that has been affected. It is a very sad day for our local community.”
'Around a hundred people' gathered at evacuation hub on Thursday morning
11:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAround a hundred people gathered at the evacuation hub at Westleton Village Hall this morning, a local resident told The Independent.
The man, who did not want to be named, said people had been accommodated in the village hall at around midnight last night and that local campsites had been offering facilities for showers.
He hailed it as a “proper community effort”.
Satellite images show spread of wildfire
11:33 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSatellite images of the area around Dunwich Heath show the current spread of the wildfire.
It comes as firefighters said they expect to be fighting the blaze for “at least 24 to 48 hours” longer due to the size and complexity of the incident.
Firefighters will continue to tackle blaze for 24 to 48 hours, fire chief says
11:12 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFirefighters will continue to tackle a blaze on Dunwich Heath for the next 24 to 48 hours due to the “size and complexity” of the incident, crews have said.
In an update on Thursday morning, incident commander Christopher May said crews are still dealing with a “major incident” and urged people not to leave rubbish, cigarette butts, and open fires on the land.
“We are currently dealing with a major incident that started yesterday at 17:30. Our crews have been fighting fire throughout the night ensuring they protect life and property. We are also trying to ensure the impact to the local environment is minimised to the best of our ability,” he said.
“Crews will continue to fight fire in the local area for the next probably 24 to 48 hours due to the size and complexity of the incident we face, and we still are in a major incident.”
He also asked people to “be safe and wildfire aware” when out and about in the local area.
“Please be careful discarding rubbish, cigarette butts, or having open fires. These can have dramatic and devastating effects to wildland and does make it extremely challenging in this heat for firefighters to manage.”
'You've got to go': Holidaymaker describes evacuation
11:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s Bryony Gooch has been speaking to evacuated residents:
A holidaymaker who was evacuated from Cliff House holiday park on Wednesday night has described the moment she was told by firefighters “you’ve got to go”.
Anna Seymour, 56, had been staying around five minutes away from Dunwich Heath for the last three days.
She said she heard “lots of noise” and fire engines on Wednesday evening and thought it was “really unusual”.
About 20 minutes later, she had a knock on the door and was told “go to the evacuation point”.
There, staff told her they were on “high alert” and to go back to her cabin to pack to be ready to leave.
At around 10:30pm she said she had another knock on her door and was told to evacuate: "They were just very calm,” she said.
"The firefighters were then checking everywhere until they was clear. Obviously people were on holiday, so some people were over the limit, they'd had a few drinks, so they was arranging for transport to take them to a place of safety.
"The firefighters obviously amazing, but the staff at Cliff House as well, they were very calm. There was no panic and everybody just left calmly.
"I'd already packed quite a bit, but I have left some stuff there obviously because once they knocked at the door, it was just a case of 'you've got to go'.”
She said she was left coughing because there was “quite a lot of smoke” once she left the site.
"It's such a beautiful part of Suffolk, so it's quite upsetting at the moment for everybody."
Firefighting operations 'strengthened' due to changing wind conditions
10:52 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFirefighting efforts have been “strengthened” due to changing wind conditions with evacuations underway.
Wind conditions are expected to become “variable” this morning due to a change in the weather, meaning properties at risk of fire and smoke are being evacuated, fire crews have said in an update on Thursday morning.
They again urged members of the public to avoid the area.
No injuries reported in wildfire
10:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNo injuries have been reported during the wildfire on Dunwich Heath, emergency services have confirmed.
Around 200 people were successfully evacuated overnight from holiday homes in the area.
Nature reserve closed due to proximity to wildfires
10:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA nature reserve on the doorstep of the ongoing blaze on Dunwich Heath has closed today due to the incident.
In a post shared on social media, RSPB Minsmere said: “Due to the ongoing situation at Dunwich Heath, Minsmere will be closed today (Thursday 30 July).
“This is a precautionary measure and we will keep you updated as to when the reserve will reopen.”
Parts of the UK have been without rain for more than 40 days
10:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneParts of the UK have been without rain for more than 40 days before a devastating wildfire broke out on Dunwich Heath.
Met Office data shows that at the start of the week, Wisley, in Surrey, had had 40 consecutive “dry days”, in which no or only a trace of rain has been recorded, while Herstmonceux, West End, in East Sussex had 37 dry days.
A number of other sites including Suffolk, where the fire has broken out, Heathrow in London and spots in Worcestershire, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Lincolnshire have all recorded more than 30 consecutive dry days.
Earlier this week a National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) spokesperson warned: “With the Met Office warning that a fourth heatwave could develop this week, bringing another period of very hot weather to parts of the UK, fire and rescue services remain on alert and are continuing to prepare for renewed wildfire risk.”
Fire is 'sad news', former Suffolk coastal MP says
10:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe ongoing wildfire on Dunwich Heath is “sad news”, the former MP for Suffolk coastal Thérèse Coffey has said.
In a post on X, she wrote: “Sad news to wake up to with wildfire spreading across @nationaltrust Dunwich Heath. I know @SuffolkFire is already responding. Thank you to all the retained and regular fire fighters working on this. Let's hope it doesn't spread to @RSPBMinsmere and further along @coastandheaths.”
Sad news to wake up to with wildfire spreading across @nationaltrust Dunwich Heath. I know @SuffolkFire is already responding. Thank you to all the retained and regular fire fighters working on this. Let's hope it doesn't spread to @RSPBMinsmere and further along @coastandheaths
— Thérèse Coffey (@theresecoffey) July 30, 2026
Full list of areas affected by drought as half of England plunged into dry weather crisis
09:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe wildfire in Suffolk comes as almost half of England’s population is experiencing official drought conditions following a period of low rainfall and back-to-back heatwaves.
Up to 28 million people live in the affected areas across central, eastern and southern England.
You can read more about where is affected below:
Full list of areas affected by drought as half of England plunged into weather crisis
Evacuated holiday park owner says fire is 'not over yet'
09:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe owner of a holiday park which was evacuated overnight due to the huge ongoing wildfire on Dunwich Heath has warned the blaze “isn’t over yet” and thanked fire services for their help.
Around 200 caravans from Cliff House holiday park were evacuated overnight as a precaution.
In a post this morning, the holiday park’s owner said it is so far untouched by the flames but warned heathland fires can be “very unpredictable”.
“Heathland Fires are never an easy thing to deal with and can very unpredictable…,” he wrote.
“Our thanks to our team last night who were fabulous. We were in close contact with the Chief Fireman all evening and followed his instruction, later in the evening he elevated his advice from a pre-evacuation warning to that of ‘on the balance of safety everyone should vacate the area.’
“This advice was proved absolutely correct as the wind did change direction to the East pushing the fire towards us. The latest news is that we are thus far untouched by the fire however this is still a major incidence so not over yet.”
He added: “A special thanks goes to the Suffolk Fire Service for tackling the fire so professionally, we really appreciate their help last night and our thanks to all our customers who had to leave and for being so understanding.”
Wildfire 'not currently affecting' nuclear power plant, energy chiefs say
09:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEnergy chiefs have confirmed the wildfire on Dunwich Heath is “not currently” affecting the nearby Sizewell B power station.
An EDF spokesperson said it is “continuing to monitor the situation” as firefighters continue to tackle the blaze.
Where has been affected by the Dunwich Heath wildfire?
09:31 , Nicole Wootton-Cane'No risk' to nuclear power plant at the moment, fire crews say
09:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFire crews have said there is currently “no risk” to a nuclear power plant located near the fire, but that the situation is “live and dynamic”.
The Sizewell B power plant is located further south down the Suffolk coast to where the wildfire is understood to have broken out.
Firefighters said the blaze is currently travelling easterly, meaning the nuclear power plant is not at risk.
In a statement this morning, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) wrote: “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.”
Forecasters warned wildfires could be 'exceptionally severe' this week
09:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneForecasters warned that any wildfires that broke out in the South East of England this week could be “exceptionally severe” due to hot and dry conditions this summer.
The Fire Severity Index looks at data including rainfall, temperature and humidity, and agencies use it to assess the severity of fire if it starts. It does not cover the chances of wildfires occurring.
In pictures: Smoke billows over Suffolk as wildfire tears through Dunwich Heath
09:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
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'Hundreds' of people evacuated overnight firefighters battle blaze
08:52 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFirefighters have worked to evacuate residents of at least 200 caravans and nearby properties due to the blaze on Dunwich Heath.
In a statement last night, SFRS said preparations had been made for the potential evacuation of “around 200 caravans” at Cliff House holiday park should conditions require it.
In an update this morning crews confirmed the caravans had been evacuated, saying: “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.”
Fire crews urge people to stay away from nearby beach due to 'seriousness' of fire
08:46 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFire crews have urged people to stay away from a nearby beach after a wildfire broke out in Suffolk.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it is “strongly urging” the public to avoid visiting Dunwich Beach and the surrounding areas due to the blaze.
“We understand that the warm weather makes a trip to the coast very appealing, but for everyone's safety we are asking people to stay away from the area at this time,” it said in a statement.
“It is essential that the area and surrounding roads are kept clear to allow emergency services to carry out their work safely and effectively, and to help protect members of the public.”
Wildfire tears through Suffolk heath as ‘major incident’ declared
08:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFirefighters are battling a “large-scale” wildfire on Dunwich Heath in Suffolk this morning as authorities declared a “major incident”.
Residents are being evacuated from the area after the blaze broke out on Wednesday evening, with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service urging people to stay away from the area.
Around 90 firefighters worked overnight tackling the flames in what the fire service called “arduous conditions”.
