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Major Incident Declared Over Suffolk Wildfire

Thursday, 30 July 2026 12:18

Around 90 firefighters are tackling a major wildfire on the Suffolk coast after a large blaze spread across Dunwich Heath.

A major incident has been declared in Suffolk as firefighters continue battling a large wildfire at Dunwich Heath near Leiston.

Around 90 firefighters have been tackling the blaze since it broke out on Wednesday evening. The fire has spread rapidly across dry heathland, with hot temperatures, strong winds and prolonged drought conditions making firefighting efforts especially challenging.

Several people have been evacuated from nearby properties, and emergency plans are in place to evacuate around 200 caravans at Cliff House Holiday Park if the fire spreads further. Residents have been advised to avoid the area where possible and keep windows and doors closed because of smoke.

The blaze is burning several miles from Sizewell B nuclear power station. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service says there is currently no risk to the site because of the fire's distance and the direction in which it is moving, although the situation remains under constant review.

Firefighters are using specialist vehicles, drones and quad bikes to tackle the fire across the difficult terrain. The incident comes as East Anglia remains in drought, with extremely dry vegetation leaving large areas of heathland at heightened risk of wildfires. Authorities are urging people to take extra care outdoors and avoid anything that could accidentally start a fire.

 

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