A local resident witnessed what she believes was the start of a wildfire near Dunwich Heath in Suffolk on July 30, 2026 [1].
The eyewitness account provides a critical timeline for investigators attempting to determine the cause of the blaze in the heathland area.
Charlotte Du Cann said she was off the footpath when she first noticed the incident [1]. According to Du Cann, the event began with an audible sound and a sudden appearance of flames [1].
"I heard a crackle," Du Cann said [1].
She described seeing a ring of fire that was approximately 20 feet long [2]. Du Cann said she immediately contacted the fire brigade after observing the flames [1].
Du Cann said there were no obvious sources of ignition in the immediate vicinity of the fire. "There was no cigarette butt or camping equipment around," she said [1].
The witness believes the fire started at that exact moment because of the lack of nearby debris and the specific nature of the ignition she observed [1]. The fire broke out in an area of Suffolk known for its sensitive heathland environment, a landscape that can be highly flammable during dry conditions.
“"I heard a crackle."”
The witness's observation of a 'ring of fire' without visible ignition sources like cigarettes or camping gear suggests the fire may have been caused by natural phenomena or an unseen external factor. This testimony helps fire investigators narrow the point of origin to a specific area off the footpath near Dunwich Heath.
