A wildfire has been burning on Dunwich Heath in Suffolk since around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, covering an area roughly equal to 14 football pitches.
Firefighters have declared the incident a major event and are working to contain the blaze, which is moving eastward and currently poses no immediate threat to the nearby Sizewell B nuclear power station.
The fire is also close to the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, raising concerns about potential ecological damage.
Residents and holidaymakers have been evacuated from the Cliff House Holiday Park, with approximately 42 couples, children and pets relocated for the night.
A couple who fled their caravan at 11:30 p.m. reported staying in their car overnight, uncertain whether their vehicle survived the fire.
The outbreak occurs amid a fourth heatwave this year, with temperatures exceeding 30 °C in parts of the UK and widespread drought affecting half of England.
A hosepipe ban is in place in 21 counties, impacting 23 million people, as authorities contend with limited water supplies for firefighting.
Fire services are prioritizing protection of key properties such as Coastguard Cottages, Mount Pleasant Farm and the holiday park, and have urged residents to avoid the area.
The fire began shortly after 5:30 p.m. and has spread towards St. James’ Church, prompting ongoing efforts to prevent further expansion.
Meteorological forecasts predict a drop in temperatures and modest rainfall, though some southern regions may remain dry, complicating suppression efforts.
Similar wildfire incidents have been reported in the Cairngorms national park in Scotland and across Europe, underscoring the heightened fire risk during the summer.
