Major incident declared over coastal heath fire in Suffolk

Crews tackle large fire on coastal heathImage source, Rob ForsythImage caption, Firefighters are tackling a blaze at Dunwich Heath, near LeistonByJon WelchPublished29 July 2026, 21:08 BSTUpdated 3 hours agoSeventeen fire crews are fighting a major fire on heathland on the Suffolk coast.Crews were called to reports of a large wildfire at Dunwich Heath, near Leiston, on Wednesday evening.Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was spreading rapidly south-west towards St James's Church, off Westleton Road.Much of the area is a nature reserve owned by the National Trust, which said it was assisting firefighters and asked people to avoid the area.Image source, Rob ForsythImage caption, The fire service said the blaze was spreading south-westThe area is also close to the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve.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 14 appliances were at the scene, with crews 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."Residents affected by smoke should keep windows and doors closed where possible."Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.Get in touchYour VoiceContact formContact formFollow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external.Related topicsDunwichSuffolk Fire and Rescue ServiceRelated internet linksSuffolk and Rescue Fire Service