The National Trust has warned people to stay away from Dunwich Heath until the area has been assessed following a devastating wildfire, amid a risk of further flare-ups.
More than 100 hectares of heathland habitat have been destroyed by fire at the Suffolk reserve since it took hold almost two weeks ago, the conservation charity said.
The fire service said on Monday that the fire has been stood down as a major incident but crews remain on scene damping down the affected area and monitoring for hotspots.
Coastal winds are stirring up ash and debris, rabbit burrows and warrens have retained significant heat and trees with burnt root systems are vulnerable to collapse, the National Trust said.
Parts of the landscape have been left unrecognisable, making it harder to navigate, and fires spread along cliffs putting their stability at risk and making the beach below unsafe.
Russell Clement, general manager for the National Trust, praised all of Suffolk’s 35 fire stations, the 18 fire services from around the country and others who “worked tirelessly to tackle this fire”.
The National Trust said there are still parts of the fire ground that they have not yet been able to access to map and record hazards.
Work to assess the full site is under way and is likely to take some weeks, the charity said.
Mr Clement said: “Right now… the best way people can help is by staying away from the reserve.
“We know how important Dunwich Heath is to the local community and visitors alike, but we need to ensure it is safe before anyone returns.”
Unexploded ordnance dating back to Operation Kruschen during the Second World War has been exposed by the fire, the National Trust said.
While specialist teams have already made some discoveries safe, there could be more.
“We very much look forward to welcoming visitors back to Dunwich Heath, when it is safe to do so,” said Mr Clement.
“With no rain forecast and continued hot weather, there remains the risk of further flare-ups in the days and weeks ahead, which will require the fire service back on site.
“In the meantime, Dunwich village remains open and we’d encourage people to support the local businesses, which are such an important part of the community.”
While Dunwich Heath remains closed, supporters can follow updates through the National Trust’s website and social media channels.
A fundraising appeal launched by the National Trust to help support Dunwich Heath’s recovery has raised more than £600,000.
The public can donate at nationaltrust.org.uk/support-us/appeals/dunwich-heath
The National Trust is also asking people to sign a petition calling on Government to make climate resilience a national mission, invest in nature to reduce environmental risks and support Fire and Rescue Services with the funding needed to prepare and respond to wildfires.
The petition is available to sign at nationaltrust.org.uk/wildfire-petition
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