Westleton discusses preventing further Dunwich wildfires

Westleton residents attended the emergency preparedness meeting at the Village Hall on Monday (August 24), following the fire at the end of July.

The wildfire destroyed 150 hectares of heathland and raised concerns about the risk to nearby communities, including Westleton and Dunwich.

Fire breaks have been put in place to try and prevent a repeat of the Dunwich wildfire, which devastated 150 hectares of heathland (Image: Justin Minns/National Trust)

Representatives from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, the National Trust, the RSPB and Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit attended the meeting.

Andrew Turner, chair of Westleton Parish Council, said the organisations explained how they had worked to extinguish the Dunwich fire and what action had been taken since.

He said residents were also told about plans to reduce the chance of another incident reaching the same scale.

He added: "The tone of the meeting was one of reassurance.

Dunwich Heath nature reserve will remain closed following the fire (Image: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service)

"There were some pointed questions and detailed discussions around parts of the village.

"I think overall it can be said that the residents left knowing much more than they knew when they came in and I would like to think, somewhat reassured about the future."

Representatives are expected to hold one-to-one meetings with villagers to discuss the work being carried out and answer further questions.

The parish council will also continue speaking with the organisations involved to understand their plans for dealing with any future fire.

That includes how an incident would be contained to prevent it threatening Westleton or Dunwich.

Fire breaks have been put in place to prevent a repeat of the Dunwich inferno (Image: Submitted)

Residents also discussed measures for a 45-acre area of common land owned by the parish council to the south and east of Westleton.

The land is close to the area where a stubble fire took place several years ago.

Following that incident, a fire breaker was built along the edge of the common. It was last cut in February.

After the Dunwich Heath fire, the parish council decided to extend the fire breaks along another section of the common.

The use of fire beaters was also discussed with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.

The service said the evidence about their use was “inconclusive”, with concerns that the tools could spread embers if they were not used in a certain way.

Fire crews spent days battling the Dunwich blaze (Image: Lucy Taylor)

A fire beater is a manual tool featuring a thick, heavy-duty rubber head used to smother and suppress small outdoor fires.

The National Trust confirmed that the Dunwich Heath reserve would remain closed while safety checks continued.

A National Trust spokeswoman said: "We welcomed the opportunity to update residents and partners on our response to the Dunwich Heath wildfire, and to thank everyone who has supported recovery efforts so far.

"During the meeting, we confirmed that Dunwich Heath will remain closed while essential safety assessments continue.

"We also shared our longer-term ambition to support the reserve's recovery in a way that strengthens its resilience to climate change and future wildfire risk."

The spokeswoman said the trust understood the importance of the heath to local people and visitors.

She said: "We recognise how important access to the heath is for local residents and visitors.

"While public safety remains our priority, we are committed to reopening the site as soon as it is safe to do so, and expect this to be achieved through a phased approach."

Residents also heard about plans for the reserve’s recovery and its future management.

The National Trust said it would work with Natural England, the RSPB, Westleton Parish Council and the wider community as plans developed.

Villagers and evacuees attending a briefing at Westleton Village Hall during the Dunwich wildfire (Image: Lucy Taylor)

A spokeswoman said: "As plans develop, we are committed to working closely with Natural England, RSPB, Westleton Parish Council and the wider community at Dunwich, ensuring local knowledge and perspectives help inform future decision-making."

She also thanked people who had supported recovery work and fundraising efforts.

She added: "We are also incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by the local community, including recent fundraising efforts to support Dunwich Heath's recovery.

"This support reflects the deep connection people have with this special place and the shared commitment to securing its future for generations to come."

The reserve will not reopen until the safety assessments have been completed.

The National Trust expects access to return in stages once it is safe.