Technology and Science30 July, 20263 min read
Suffolk Wildfire Grows Near Leiston, Evacuations Ordered as Dunwich Heath Blaze Spreads
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Major incident declared as wildfire at Dunwich Heath threatens Leiston area. More than 100 firefighters and 18 fire engines tackling the blaze.
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Dunwich Heath wildfire escalates
A wildfire erupted at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk and authorities declared a “major incident” as the blaze grew to 210 football pitches (150 hectares) and continued for more than 24 hours on the Suffolk coast. The BBC said the “unprecedented” blaze broke out on Dunwich Heath, near Leiston, at about 17:00 BST on Wednesday, and it reported that changing wind conditions were making it difficult to predict how the fire may spread. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said its response would continue for another 48 hours at least, and the BBC reported that “Eighteen fire engines and 120 firefighters are involved in the response” as crews faced difficult terrain and limited access routes.
The BBC also reported that homes and a holiday caravan park were evacuated after the fire broke out, and it said there were fears for rare birds and wildlife whose home is the heath and nearby RSPB Minsmere. The Independent reported that Cliff House Holiday Park, containing some 200 caravans, was completely evacuated as a precaution, and it said the smoke and flames spread to the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve.
Nuclear plant monitoring and support
As the fire burned near the coast, the BBC reported that a spokesperson for the Sizewell B nuclear power station, about three miles (5km) from the fire, said it was monitoring the “dynamic situation” and that the fire service response would continue for another 48 hours at least. The Independent said EDF energy stated there was currently no risk to the station, while it also quoted Andy Burnham pledging that “We’ve got the situation under close monitoring, and I’m receiving regular updates.” The BBC reported that Communities Secretary Angela Rayner praised firefighters for their “skill and dedication and bravery,” and it also noted that Green Party leader Zack Polanski called for Burnham to host an emergency Cobra meeting.
The Independent reported that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service declared a “major incident” and that firefighters pleaded with people to stay away, while it said fire chiefs expected to tackle the blaze near the plant for “at least 24 to 48 hours”. The BBC further reported that UK Power Networks turned off power to 116 homes in the Darsham area at the request of the fire service due to the proximity of the fire to overhead lines.
Wildlife risk and evacuation centre
The BBC said there were fears for rare birds and wildlife whose home is the heath and nearby RSPB Minsmere, and it described the area as home to Dartford warblers, nightjars and stonechats, along with reptiles such as adders, common lizards and slow worms. The BBC quoted retired ecologist Chris Keeling saying the impact on wildlife and habitats was “so terribly sad” and “horrendous,” and it reported that he called the destruction “utterly sickening.” The Independent reported that Suffolk joined half of England in being declared in drought on Wednesday, and it said forecasters warned any wildfires in the south of England could become “exceptionally severe”.
The BBC reported that around 100 to 150 people had been evacuated from their accommodation and that about 60 people, including families with babies and dogs, attended a relief centre at Westleton Village Hall. The Independent said fire chiefs couldn’t predict when residents would be allowed to return home and that Cliff House Holiday Park, with some 200 caravans, had been completely evacuated as a precaution, while it reported that 46 people were at the evacuation centre.