Firefighters remain at the scene of a huge Suffolk wildfire as crews work to contain one of the region's biggest blazes.
Firefighters remain at the scene of a major wildfire on the Suffolk coast as crews continue working to contain the blaze at Dunwich Heath.
More than 120 firefighters, supported by specialist vehicles and helicopters dropping seawater, have spent the night tackling the fire, which has now scorched around 150 hectares of heathland – an area roughly the size of 210 football pitches.
The fire prompted the declaration of a major incident, with hundreds of residents and holidaymakers evacuated from nearby homes and caravan parks. Several roads remain closed, and people are being urged to stay away from the area while emergency services continue their work.
Although the wildfire is burning only a few miles from Sizewell B nuclear power station, officials have repeatedly stressed there is no current threat to the site. Emergency planners are continuing to monitor the situation closely as weather conditions change.
The blaze has also caused significant damage to nationally important heathland and parts of the nearby RSPB Minsmere nature reserve. Fire chiefs say the prolonged drought, exceptionally dry vegetation and changing winds have made the incident one of the most challenging they have faced in recent years, and crews expect to remain at the scene until the fire is fully under control.
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