Fire-ravaged reserve still records 50C temperatures

The ground at a nature reserve that was ravaged during a huge wildfire in the summer is still recording high temperatures almost three months on.

Parts of Dunwich Heath and neighbouring RSPB Minsmere on the Suffolk coast were destroyed during the fire on 29 July, and it took the fire service nearly two weeks to stand down from the scene.

It was announced last month that the cause could not be determined. Many areas of the site still remain inaccessible as safety tests and monitoring tasks are carried out.

The National Trust, which owns and manages Dunwich Heath, said it was still recording temperatures of more than 53C in some areas, despite cooler temperatures and rainfall.

"While on site yesterday, Matt [Wilson], our countryside manager, recorded temperatures of over 53 degrees in some areas using a thermal imaging device," a National Trust spokesperson said.

"During the fire, earth-moving machinery was used to help crews tackle the flames, but the speed and scale needed at the time has meant vegetation such as gorse, heather and parts of trees have been churned into the banked soil and sand.

"In some places, this has created a charcoal kiln effect, which continue to retain heat even now."

The National Trust said that about seven weeks ago, it had recorded temperatures of about 65C on the heathland, at a time when ground heat averaged between 25C and 35C following prolonged hot weather in the summer.

However teams have reported seeing some fungi growing again in parts and even a common lizard has been spotted.

At the peak of the fire, 120 firefighters were at the scene, with all 35 of Suffolk's stations involved.

The fire ripped through an area the size of 210 football pitches and the fire service said the blaze had destroyed any potential evidence that might have identified the cause.

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