A strong smell of smoke fills the air while sirens wail from fire trucks and helicopters hover above. The scene unfolding in Dunwich, rural Suffolk, is reminiscent of a disaster movie, but the reality is stark as approximately 120 firefighters in 18 engines battle a 100-hectare blaze.
A total of 47 individuals, including infants, along with five dogs, a cat, and a mouse, were evacuated from lodges and caravans at Cliff House holiday park near Dunwich Heath after the fire broke out on Wednesday evening around 5pm. These evacuees were relocated two miles away to a makeshift rescue center at Westleton Village Hall, where generous locals provided them with food, water, and accommodation in spare rooms.
One of the evacuees, a mother-of-two from Southampton on vacation, shared her experience of hastily leaving their family-owned static caravan with her two young sons in their pajamas, forgetting to bring their shoes in the rush. She recounted the frightening moment they spotted the smoke during dinner, leading them to evacuate swiftly as the wind changed direction, enveloping them in smoke as they fled.
Additional evacuees included 73-year-old midwife Jude Bayly from north London, who resorted to sleeping in her car after leaving her caravan. She described the chaotic evacuation process and the fear as the smoke and flames drew nearer, painting a harrowing picture of the situation.
Residents like Rob Gordon from Spalding, Lincolnshire, were also forced to evacuate, with Gordon highlighting the surreal and apocalyptic sight of the smoke turning bright red as they left the area. The evacuees found refuge at Westleton Village Hall, where volunteers provided care and assistance.
The fire has spread to a substantial portion of the nearby RSPB Minsmere reserve, but authorities downplayed concerns about it reaching the Sizewell B nuclear power station. Despite ongoing efforts to contain the fire, officials acknowledged the challenge it poses and anticipate the firefighting operation to continue for the next 24 to 36 hours.
Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed and remain on standby in case further evacuations are necessary. Suffolk Fire Service Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey addressed the situation at the rescue center, acknowledging the dynamic nature of the incident and the difficulty in controlling the rapidly moving fire. Lacey expressed empathy for the displaced individuals and praised the community’s collaborative efforts in providing support during the crisis.