A couple from Essex shared their escape from a wildfire at a Suffolk caravan park where they were among many guests evacuated. Firefighters have been combating the blaze at Dunwich Heath near Leiston, with over a hundred firefighters and a helicopter on the scene. The fire, reaching 150 hectares at its peak, prompted a major incident declaration due to its size and complexity.
Evacuations were carried out for homes and 200 caravans, with residents urgently alerted and evacuated on Wednesday night. The fire service reported that at least 12 fire engines would remain overnight to manage smaller fires that were emerging, with power restored to 111 out of 116 properties affected by earlier power outages.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue assured that the Sizewell B nuclear power station was not in danger from the fire due to its distance and direction of movement. However, they emphasized that the situation remained active and dynamic.
Stephen Bullock and Christine Miller, visiting from Canvey Island, Essex, were staying at Dunwich Cliffs Estate caravan park when they noticed smoke in the distance early in the evening. They were later evacuated by the park warden due to the intensifying fire, engulfing the area in thick black smoke.
Another visitor, Ed from Epping, Essex, staying at Dunwich Cliff, independently evacuated to the Dunwich Tea Rooms as instructed. He described the dramatic scene of the fire changing direction, leaving him relieved that the campsite was spared.
Lisa Gordon, vacationing with her husband and dog in their touring caravan, evacuated from Cliff House Holiday Park, expressing concern about the fire’s proximity. She highlighted the disruption caused by the situation, emphasizing the importance of safety over possessions.
As evacuations unfolded, Mrs. Gordon remarked on the initial calmness with smoke visible behind trees. However, the gravity of the situation set in as they left the holiday park, realizing the severity of the wildfire.
For the latest updates on the Dunwich wildfire, readers can follow the live blog provided.
