Hundreds of Britons are preparing to evacuate as a huge wildfire tearing through Suffolk is heading towards a holiday park.
Shortly after 5.30pm on Wednesday, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was called to reports of a wildfire at Dunwich Heath.
Dozens of firefighters raced to the scene, deploying specialist equipment, such as drones and 4×4 quad bikes, in a bid to tackle the blaze.
Crews from Leiston, Reydon, Halesworth, Beccles, Ipswich East, Ipswich Princes Street, Lowestoft South, Lowestoft North, Stradbroke, Wrentham, Bungay, Saxmundham, Haverhill, Orford, Stowmarket, Felixstowe and Woodbridge have attended the scene.
Suffolk County Council has urged residents to avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
A major incident has since been declared “due to the size and complexity” of the blaze, SFRS said.
In an update, SFRS station manager Dan Davis said: “Crews from Leiston attended the scene and were met with what is a large-scale, wind- driven forestry fire.
“The incident has subsequently been upgraded to a major incident.
“We currently have approximately 90 firefighters on scene working incredibly hard in arduous conditions to bring this fire under control.”
Mr Davis said crews will not leave the area until the fire is brought under control.
More to follow…