Suffolk firefighters tackle large blaze on Knodishall Common as police launch arson probe
Rob Setchell reports on how rural communities fear dangerous wildfires could become the 'new normal'
Police say they are now investigating the possibility that a huge field fire at Knodishall Common in Suffolk was started deliberately.
The blaze broke out at around 8pm on Sunday, when 12 pumps were called to the scene, with smoke travelling towards nearby Leiston.
Residents were advised to keep windows and doors shut and some residents were temporarily evacuated.
Police said they were treating the fire as suspected arson and appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said on Monday the fire had been surrounded and they were continuing to dampen it down.
No nearby properties were damaged by the fire.
The service warned there is an increased risk of fires during the dry and hot weather.
Wil Tel, group manager at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It's been an incredibly busy day for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and we've attended a large volume of incidents.
"The weather is hot so the risk remains incredibly high because conditions are dry and the wind is up as well.
"So I'd appeal to all people to refrain from using barbecues, open fires and discarded cigarettes.
"Be really mindful that a small spark can create a significant fire."
Elsewhere in the East of England region, a popular family attraction in Norfolk was forced to close as field fires raged across the county.
In Suffolk, a woman died and three others were injured after a caravan fire.
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