A fundraising appeal has raised more than £600,000 to support Dunwich Heath’s recovery, with donations via nationaltrust.org.uk/support-us/appeals/dunwich-heath and a petition urging government action on climate resilience and firefighting funding.

Operational challenges included shifting winds, difficult site access, darkness, and the need to juggle responses to other incidents while the wildfire burned.

The National Trust launched a wildfire petition urging government action on climate resilience, nature-based risk reduction, and funding for Fire and Rescue Services, accessible at nationaltrust.org.uk/wildfire-petition.

Officials anticipate months of assessments that may lead to habitat restoration measures, such as making the area wetter, to support recovery once it is safe to proceed.

The National Trust is warning people to stay away from Dunwich Heath in Suffolk until officials complete an assessment after a devastating wildfire, citing ongoing fire risk and potential hazards.

So far, two unexploded ordnance have been found and detonated remotely, with reports of a phosphorus mortar and a mortar fuse; officials expect more ordnance to be uncovered as ground disturbance increases risk.

Although the major incident has been stood down, fire crews remain on site to damp down hotspots and monitor the area as coastal winds continue to spread ash and debris.

Visitors are urged to check the National Trust’s website and social media for updates and to support local communities during recovery.

Officials note ongoing pressures on on-call staff who balance other jobs, reflecting broader staffing challenges during the incident.

National Trust leaders praised Suffolk’s 35 fire stations and 18 external fire services for their efforts in tackling the blaze.

National Trust general manager Russell Clement highlighted access limitations to map and record hazards on the fire ground while commending local and regional fire responders.

Fire service personnel described the physical and logistical strain of the operation, including long shifts and challenges with hose lays and pumps, alongside the emotional toll from wildlife losses, though sightings of deer and nightjar offered some relief.