Homes and caravan park evacuated due to major heath fire in Suffolk

Homes and a caravan park have been evacuated after a large wildfire broke out on heathland on the Suffolk coast, with a major incident declared.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said about 90 firefighters were tackling the blaze at its peak and had been "working incredibly hard in arduous conditions".

The fire service said the "large-scale, wind-driven" blaze broke out on Dunwich Heath, near Leiston, on Wednesday afternoon and urged people to avoid the area and keep windows and doors shut.

A major incident has been declared "due to the size and complexity" of the blaze, which was spreading rapidly south-west but due to a wind change is now heading east.

The fire service said there was "no current risk" to the Sizewell B nuclear power station, which is just over 10 miles (17km) away, but it was "a live and dynamic situation" and any updates would be shared.

It also 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.

Justin North said there was "hammering" on the door of his holiday cottage at Dunwich Cliffs at about 23:30 BST, just minutes after he and his wife had gone to sleep.

He told the BBC he was asked to "go immediately".

The couple first noticed smoke at about 17:30 but "didn't really give it much thought" until they were evacuated.

He said driving conditions were difficult due to the smoke in the dark and the couple had to sleep in their car before being able to access the evacuation centre.

About 48 people, including families with babies and dogs, have been evacuated and are now located at Westleton Village Hall.

North said there was a "kind of blitz spirit" among the people evacuated who were just "happy to be safe and out".

The fire comes as the UK Health Security Agency issued an amber heat-health alert for the East Midlands, the East, South East and London.

The Environment Agency (EA) also announced on Wednesday that the East of England, including Suffolk, was part of an area in England where drought was declared.

Droughts bring with them a high risk of wildfires, the EA warned.

Much of the area is a nature reserve owned by the National Trust, which said it was assisting firefighters.

The area is also close to the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve.

Both National Trust Dunwich Heath and the nature reserve have been closed.

It asked people to avoid Westleton Heath, Mount Pleasant, Westleton Walks and the main bridleway from the entrance road towards Dunwich.

The fire service said crews are using equipment including off-road vehicles, drones and quad bikes.

"Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles," it said.

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.