Members of the public are being urged to avoid Dunwich Heath due to unstable ground and uncovered World War Two ordnance following a severe wildfire.
The National Trust reported that the blaze has destroyed over 100 hectares of heathland habitat at the Suffolk reserve since it began nearly two weeks ago.
Fire officials stated on Monday that the incident is no longer treated as a major emergency, though crews stay on site damping down ground and checking for remaining hotspots.
The charity warned that coastal winds are blowing ash and debris, subterranean rabbit warrens continue to hold high temperatures, and trees with burnt roots risk collapsing.
Changes to the landscape have made navigation challenging, while fires spreading across cliffs have threatened structural integrity, making the underlying beach dangerous for visitors.
Russell Clement, general manager for the National Trust, commended Suffolk’s 35 fire stations, 18 external services, and all those 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
