East Suffolk Council Leader Caroline Topping has praised the incredible response from the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, local councils, agencies and volunteers following the devastating wildfires in Dunwich:
“The unprecedented fires on Dunwich Heath and RSPB Minsmere are utterly heartbreaking. It has been a dark and difficult event, but I am grateful that there has at least been some light; not least the extraordinary effort of many hundreds of people to support those affected as the flames spread.
“The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, with assistance from crews around the country, have performed incredibly to keep the fire at bay and we will always be grateful to them. No less amazing has been the support shown by the local community, not least in Westleton. Alongside Cllr Paul Ashton, our local ward member and deputy Leader, I witnessed an army of volunteers, supported by colleagues from East Suffolk Council, Suffolk County Council and the county’s emergency planning unit, establish a rest centre for displaced residents and holiday makers to eat, drink and rest. The selflessness and care shown by the local community was extraordinary.
“East Suffolk Council provided officers who are trained to support rest centre operations and our Housing and Communities teams have also been on hand to address any accommodation and welfare issues. We are also grateful for the offers of support we have received and, in particular, the input from Ipswich Borough Council who have supported the rest centre efforts. Then there is East Suffolk Services, SCC Highways, Sizewell, the British Red Cross, the Salvation Army, local farmers and so many more, stepping up when needed. Incredible.
“Unsurprisingly, with a story on this scale, the media interest has been enormous. Local, national and international press all descended on the area, reporting and broadcasting live from the rest centre and other locations. Understandably, media interest will move elsewhere in time… but we won’t be going anywhere. East Suffolk Council will be the lead authority for the recovery phase which will get underway once the fires are out.
“We will put all our efforts into supporting the local communities and partners, and doing whatever we can to help facilitate the restoration of an extraordinary, beautiful and important natural space that we all love and value so much.
“Finally – a plea. Events such as this are becoming far too common across Europe and in this country too. Climate change is leading to more prolonged periods without rain and higher temperatures which create a greater risk of fires spreading quickly. PLEASE do make sure you always behave responsibly and with vigilance to reduce the risk. Our advice is here."
