Fears wildfire could reignite as hot spots remain

Fears have been raised that fires could reignite at a nature reserve that was devastated during a huge blaze.

Large parts of Dunwich Heath and of neighbouring RSPB Minsmere on the Suffolk coast were destroyed by a wildfire that ripped through an area the size of 210 football pitches on 29 July.

The National Trust, which owns and manages Dunwich Heath, said its teams had found hotspots and patches of ground smoking, prompting fears that unidentified areas could reignite.

But Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said there were no further operational requirements needed from its crews.

The National Trust said it begun its first phase of safety assessments earlier in the week.

It said the hotspots and patches of smoking ground indicated underground burning, and teams had been making use of thermal imaging devices to find these areas.

One of the National Trust's priorities is to check where the firebreaks - large strips of land cleared of trees and vegetation - were cut during the emergency response to help stop the spread of fire.

"The earth-moving machinery did a vital job as part of the fire control measures, but the speed and scale needed at the time has meant vegetation such as gorse, heather and parts of trees have been churned into the banked soil and sand," a spokesperson said.

"In places, this has created a charcoal kiln effect, which has retained heat.

"We're worried that if these areas aren't identified and become exposed to an oxygen source they may reignite - the fire service reported seeing exactly these 'flare ups' happen during the wildfire, so we know it's a very real concern."

At this time of year, following prolonged hot weather, it is usual for ground temperatures to average between 25-35C.

The National Trust said thermal imaging showed some places in the heathland were in excess of 65C.

It took almost two weeks before the fire service stood down from the scene.

At its peak, 120 firefighters were there, with all 35 of Suffolk's stations involved and many crews called in from other counties.

Nearby holiday parks had to be evacuated and local farmers volunteered to help create firebreaks and provide water.

The fire service is investigating the cause of the blaze, while there has been sightings of wildlife returning to the area.

A spokesperson for the service said Suffolk, including the Dunwich Heath area, remained at high risk on the wildfire severity index and it encouraged people to remain vigilant.

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