Express & Star
·Jul 2026
Suffolk wildfire continues to grow as Burnham pledges support for firefighters
A wildfire at Dunwich Heath near Leiston, Suffolk, expanded to 150 hectares, prompting a major incident response involving more than 100 firefighters and 18 engines. Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged whatever support and mutual aid were needed, while additional engines and specialist wildfire resources were brought in. About 50 people were evacuated to Westleton, and Cliff House Holiday Park was cleared as a precaution. The blaze reached parts of the RSPB Minsmere reserve, caused power cuts affecting 116 customers and remained close to the Sizewell B and Sizewell C nuclear sites, although EDF said Sizewell B operations were unaffected. Dry conditions and changing winds were expected to complicate efforts, with the emergency response likely to continue for at least 48 hours.