Firefighters tackling a significant wildfire on Suffolk's Dunwich Heath are now in a better position, with the situation appearing to stabilize after more than 24 hours of intense effort. The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that while the blaze is being managed, at least 12 fire engines will remain on site into Friday to address smaller flare-ups.

The unprecedented fire, which erupted around 17:00 BST on Wednesday, spread rapidly across the heathland near Leiston, reaching an area equivalent to 210 football pitches or 150 hectares. The incident was declared a major event on Thursday morning due to its scale and the challenging conditions, including south-westerly winds that fanned the flames.

Over 100 firefighters have been engaged in battling the blaze, utilizing resources including a helicopter that made repeated drops of 1,000 litres of seawater. The fire service reported that power has been restored to 111 of the 116 properties that were affected by the outage. Residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the presence of smoke and ash.

Difficult terrain and limited access routes presented significant challenges for crews trying to reach all areas of the wildfire, according to Suffolk's chief fire officer, Jon Lacey. Approximately 100 to 150 people were evacuated from their homes and a holiday caravan park as a precautionary measure. A rest centre provided support for around 50 individuals.

The emergency response is expected to continue for at least another 48 hours. Firefighters from neighboring brigades, including London, have been deployed to assist, along with requests for additional national support, such as specialized wildfire appliances and tactical advisers. The proximity of the Sizewell B nuclear power station, approximately three miles away, led to it monitoring the situation, although it stated the fire was not affecting its operations.

Concerns have been raised about the impact on the local wildlife and rare bird species that inhabit Dunwich Heath and the nearby RSPB Minsmere reserve. These include Dartford warblers, nightjars, stonechats, and reptiles like adders, common lizards, and slow worms.

Political figures have reacted to the event, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledging support for the fire service. Communities Secretary Angela Rayner commended the firefighters for their bravery and skill. Green Party leader Zack Polanski has called for an emergency Cobra meeting to discuss the growing issue of wildfires across Britain.

The fire service's update highlighted the collaborative effort involved, with support from multiple brigades and national resources. The dynamic nature of the incident required continuous management and adaptation of firefighting strategies.