On Thursday, 30 July, SALC supported the sharing of official information and updates relating to the major wildfire incident in East Suffolk, helping to cascade communications through parish councils, town councils and parish meetings to ensure local communities had access to timely and accurate information.

Friday 31st July 4 pm update

• Fire crews remain at a major incident, but the most significant risk around the Coastguard Cottages area has stabilised following intensive firefighting activity, the creation of substantial fire breaks using heavy machinery, and the deployment of the firefighting helicopter. No properties have been lost.

• The operational response was temporarily increased due to concerns around fire spread near Coastguard Cottages. This increase is now under review as conditions have improved.

• The firefighting helicopter is now actively operating over areas that are difficult for crews to access on the ground, helping tackle hotspots and reduce pressure on resources. 

• A controlled operation is underway to allow evacuated holiday park residents to collect vehicles and essential belongings. Police-led convoys and shuttle minibuses are transporting people into and out of the site in phases. Early indications are that the process is progressing well and is expected to be substantially completed this afternoon, subject to conditions remaining favourable. 

• The smoke plume has shifted direction during the day. Updated plume mapping has been circulated to partners. Public health agencies reviewed the situation and, at present, no additional air quality measures are considered necessary beyond existing advice for those affected by smoke to keep windows and doors closed. Further checks with national air quality advisers will take place. 

• The Dunwich Flower Festival will not take place this weekend. The decision has been taken due to smoke impacts, public safety considerations and the pressure on emergency and health services.

• Planning has begun for the recovery phase, with East Suffolk Council leading arrangements for a Recovery Coordinating Group once the incident reaches a suitable stage. 

• There have still been no reported casualties, no injuries to responders or members of the public, and no ambulance patients resulting from the incident. 

• Forecast weather conditions are expected to become more favourable overnight, with lighter winds and cooler temperatures. However, agencies are continuing to monitor conditions closely as stronger winds may return later in the weekend and temperatures could rise again early next week.

• The incident remains a Major Incident for both Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk Resilience Forum partners. The current assessment is that this status remains appropriate.

Key message: The fire remains significant and resource intensive, but current operations have successfully prevented loss of property in the most threatened area, and work is now progressing to reunite evacuated residents with their vehicles and belongings while preparations begin for eventual recovery arrangements.

Friday 31st July am  update

• We are still under a Major Incident as declared by SFRS (Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service) and SRF (Suffolk Resilience Forum)

• It remains a dynamic situation but is in a stable position and firefighting is making good progress in very hot conditions from both above and below

• This morning’s weather conditions have been favourable allowing for aggressive firefighting to tackle the fire

• 12-15 fire appliances currently on scene, plus support vehicles

• Firefighting likely to go through the weekend and possibly into next week, but if good progress continues, will be scalable and resource numbers can begin to de-escalate

• No further spread of smoke outside of where SFRS has been working

• No casualties reported

• National FRS (Fire and Rescue Service) assets are on scene to support, with other assets ready to be called upon if needed

• Helicopter is not currently being used but is available today if needed

• Closed roads and footpaths will remain so, until further notice, to aid firefighting efforts

• No current concerns about needing to make any further evacuations

• Discussions underway about planning for evacuees to return to residences to collect personal belongings and vehicles – but no timeline on this yet, and only when safe to do so

• Rest centre was quiet overnight, with no-one needing to stay. It is busier today with evacuees in attendance for more information. They will get an update at 10:30am

• A voluntary organisation cell will be created to handle offers of donations, local support, etc.
  

• Regular liaison with Sizewell B and there remains no cause for concern.