Major incident declared as wildfire spreads across Dunwich Heath in Suffolk

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a wildfire at Dunwich Heath, near Leiston, shortly after 5.30pm on Wednesday.

The fire is spreading south-west towards St James’ Church, off Westleton Road, the service said, confirming a major incident had been declared “due to the size and complexity” of the blaze.

The fire service said it had been working to protect properties including Coastguard Cottages, Mount Pleasant Farm and Cliff House Holiday Park, all of which were evacuated overnight.

Up to 200 caravans were being prepared for evacuation, but the exact number of people affected is not known.

In a later update, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service station manager Dan Davis urged the public to avoid the area if possible and keep windows and doors closed.

“Crews from Leiston attended the scene and were met with what is a large-scale, wind- driven forestry fire,” he said.

"The incident has subsequently been upgraded to a major incident.

“We currently have approximately 90 firefighters on scene working incredibly hard in arduous conditions to bring this fire under control.”

Mr Davis added: “I’d like to provide reassurance that we are going to remain on scene until we bring this fire under control.”

It comes amid the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issuing an amber heat-health alert for the east midlands, the east, south east and London.

The alert remains in place until 9am on Thursday, with the agency previously warning that rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Separately, in Scotland, crews said they were making “significant progress” tackling a wildfire in the Cairngorms that broke out two weeks ago.

The fires at Dunwich Heath appear to have dramatically increased since a few hours ago. I’m a few miles away but it’s now very visible. Thinking of the firefighters and hoping the wildlife made a quick escape. pic.twitter.com/wUhLgA6IkY

— Karl Adams (@monkeyboyadams) July 30, 2026

A number of homes in the remote region were evacuated as plumes of smoke billowed into the sky, and vast swathes of trees, heather and grasslands have been left charred and blackened.

Speaking on the track on Wednesday, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) deputy assistant chief officer Michael Humphreys told the Press Association that fire crews are making progress in tackling the blaze.

However, he warned the risk of flare-ups remains high.

“It’s been an absolutely devastating fire for wildlife and for the local community who have come out in force to really support us, which we really do appreciate,” he said.

“To control this fire, what we’ve had to put in place is a significant number of fire breaks.”