A couple from Essex shared their experience of escaping the Suffolk wildfire along with numerous other caravan park guests who were evacuated. Firefighters have been working to contain the blaze in Dunwich Heath near Leiston, with over a hundred firefighters and a helicopter deployed since Wednesday evening. The fire, which reached 150 hectares at its peak, triggered a major incident due to its size and complexity.
Homes and 200 caravans were cleared as a precaution. Residents received urgent evacuation notices on Wednesday night. The fire service reported that 12 fire engines would stay on site overnight to handle smaller outbreaks. Electricity was restored to 111 out of 116 affected properties following earlier power disruptions.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue confirmed that the Sizewell B nuclear power station was not in immediate danger from the fire due to its distance and the fire’s direction. However, they emphasized the evolving nature of the situation.
Stephen Bullock and Christine Miller, vacationing at Dunwich Cliffs Estate caravan park, noticed smoke in the distance around 5 pm before being evacuated by the park warden at 11 pm. They described the chaotic scene of limited visibility and noxious fumes as they left.
Another holidaymaker, Ed from Epping, recounted receiving evacuation instructions and sought refuge at Dunwich Tea Rooms, where he spent the night in his car. Lisa Gordon, on holiday with her family in their touring caravan, expressed concern over the fire’s proximity to the park but maintained a pragmatic outlook.
As evacuations continued, Mrs. Gordon described the surreal realization of the seriousness of the situation. She noted the calm before the evacuation and the sudden impact as they left the holiday park.