Essex couple recall escape from huge Suffolk wildfire

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An Essex couple recalled their escape from ana enormous Suffolk wildfire that has grown to cover an area equivalent to 200 football pitches.

Stephen Bullock and his partner Christine Miller, from Canvey Island, were staying at the Dunwich Cliffs Estate caravan park when the fire broke out.

Mr Bullock said: "It was pitch black.

"There were toxic fumes. You could not see your hand in front of your face.

"The fumes were horrific because it was quite a big fire by then and we were getting all of the smoke.

"We got in the car and put the headlights on, but it was thick black smoke everywhere.

"There were police and ambulance crews everywhere."

Fire crews continue to tackle the blaze at Dunwich in Suffolk (Image: Suffolk Fire and Rescue / SWNS)

The couple were evacuated and taken to Westleton Village Hall, where they were given a bungalow to stay in overnight.

The wildfire began at 5.30pm on Wednesday, July 29, affecting land near Dunwich Heath and the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve.

The wind-driven blaze has spread across the equivalent of 200 football pitches.

Fire crews on the scene in Dunwich, Suffolk (Image: Suffolk Fire and Rescue / SWNS)

Essex fire crews have also been deployed to assist Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.

Wethersfield Fire Station said: "The Wethersfield Fire Crew were today deployed to support Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service in battling the large-scale heath fire in Dunwich.

"We wish our colleagues from Suffolk the best of luck in dealing with this fire."

Devastation caused by the blaze in Suffolk (Image: Suffolk Fire and Rescue / SWNS)

Suffolk Fire and Rescue station manager Dan Davis described the fire as a "large-scale, wind-driven, forestry fire" and praised the crews for working "working incredibly hard in arduous condition to bring this fire under control."

Firefighters have been using specialist equipment, including Unimogs, drones and quad bikes, to fight the blaze.

Members of the public are being advised to avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

Residents affected by smoke are also being urged to keep windows and doors closed.

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