Suffolk: Firefighters tackled 365 wildfires in summer 2022

A freedom of information request sent to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has shown that crews were called out to a total of 365 wildfires during June, July, and August. 

Firefighters were called to 365 wildfires during the space of three months in Suffolk (Image: Monique Louise Paternoster)

This year's total was just over five times as many as 2021 when the fire service attended 69 wildfires. 

In all cases, the figures are for fires that have been recorded in the category ‘grassland, woodland and crops’.

In July the fire service declared a major incident following a surge in fires across the county as a result of the heatwave.

It was an extremly difficult year for the fire service due to heatwave and soaring temperatures (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Jon Lacey, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Chief Fire Officer, said: “The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, along with many other fire Services up and down the country experienced an incredibly challenging summer due to the number of wildfires which took place.

“Whilst our resources were significantly challenged, our forward planning allowed our service to respond efficiently and effectively to these incidents, whilst protecting the lives and livelihoods of Suffolk’s residents. Following a major incident like this, we would always take the opportunity to encourage people to be mindful and avoid any activity that could potentially start a fire, especially when the weather is so dry and warm.

Jon Lacy, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Chief Fire Officer (Image: Suffolk and Rescue Service)

“My colleagues worked tirelessly to protect our communities during this time, so we encourage others to do their part by helping us minimise the number of fires started; this could be by avoiding barbecues and campfires, disposing of litter and cigarette ends carefully, having a working smoke alarm and to call 999 immediately if you spot any signs of a fire in the open or at home.”

On July 19, 12 fire crews were called out to a huge field fire near Woodbridge.

As a result of the fire, smoke was visible from as far away as the A12.

A 40-acre field fire also broke out on the outskirts of Ipswich on August 5 which saw more than 10 crews called out. 

Smoke seen in Ipswich from the huge field fire in Chelmodiston (Image: Pheobe Chew)

Earlier in the day, eight fire and rescue crews were dispatched to a huge field fire on land off Old Ipswich Road, Claydon. 

Community leaders issued a warning following a spate of suspected arsons in the county.

Fires in Knodishall, Clare and Gippeswyk Park in Ipswich were suspected to have been started intentionally.