A large wildfire erupted on Dunwich Heath in Suffolk this week, devastating parts of the RSPB Minsmere reserve and posing a significant threat to rare habitats and wildlife in the area. The fire, which began on Wednesday afternoon around 5 p.m., has burned approximately 370 acres—an area equivalent to about 220 football pitches—destroying valuable heathland and affecting bird species reliant on the reserve’s diverse ecosystem.

Local resident Charlotte Du Cann, who lives in the nearby village of Eastbridge, witnessed the fire’s initial outbreak near a kissing gate in woodland. Du Cann and a friend attempted to extinguish the early flames but quickly lost control as the fire spread rapidly through the dry heather. “It went up like a torch—the noise of it was horrible. It escalated fast, within minutes,” she recalled. While some local speculation has suggested human involvement in the fire’s ignition, Du Cann indicated she saw no clear evidence of this at the scene.

Over 100 firefighters from across the UK, including crews from London, Sussex, and West Yorkshire, have been deployed to contain the blaze. Firefighting efforts have included the use of 4x4 vehicles and quad bikes to deliver water to inaccessible areas, along with aerial support from a helicopter dropping water buckets. Officials noted that shifting winds have pushed the fire away from the nearby Sizewell nuclear power plant, and the wetland areas within Minsmere are acting as a natural firebreak.

Around 200 residents and holidaymakers in caravans and lodges within a two-mile radius of the fire were evacuated late Wednesday night to a temporary rescue center at Westleton Village Hall. Police escorted residents back into the area on Thursday under controlled conditions to collect essential belongings. Among those affected were holidaymakers Dave Johnson and his wife Jen, who reported that although parts of the area still had active fires, the damage appeared less severe than feared upon their return.

The RSPB Minsmere reserve, renowned for hosting more than 6,700 species of birds, plants, and trees, has suffered heavy damage. The reserve supports rare species including Dartford warblers, woodlarks, and nightjars, many of which enjoyed a successful breeding season this spring. Site manager Nick Forster highlighted the ecological significance of the area, while RSPB spokesman Adam Rowlings warned that the destruction of vegetation means many birds have lost their nesting grounds. Recovery of the habitat is expected to be a long process, potentially taking 25 years to return to its pre-fire condition.

The fire’s impact on this nationally important nature reserve has raised concerns about the long-term effects on biodiversity and the conservation of endangered species inhabiting the heath. Firefighters and conservationists continue to work to manage the aftermath as investigations into the fire’s cause remain ongoing.