Wildfire Nears Sizewell B Nuclear Plant, Major Incident Declared
Firefighters deploy specialist equipment as blaze threatens holiday park and critical infrastructure in Suffolk.
Sarah Connor
Dozens of firefighters are on the scene, deploying specialist equipment including drones and 4x4 quad bikes, as a large wildfire races towards a holiday park in Suffolk.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service confronted a large-scale, wind-driven forestry fire just after 5:30 PM on Wednesday, escalating the incident to a major event.
Approximately 90 firefighters now work in arduous conditions, battling a relentless advance towards St James' Church, now only 2.5 miles from the Sizewell B nuclear power plant.
The fire continues its southwest trajectory, yet Suffolk County Council maintains there is no current risk to Sizewell B.
An EDF spokesperson confirmed the fire was "not affecting operations at Sizewell B power station," which has been operational since 1995 and is managed by EDF, slated to continue operations until 2055.
The Sizewell B reactor itself is a fortress, residing within a 20cm thick steel vessel, further encased by reinforced concrete containment.
Both Sizewell B and the Sizewell C construction site are "closely monitor[ing]" the unfolding situation, spokespersons confirmed.
A Sizewell C spokesperson noted the fire "currently poses low risk to Sizewell C, given its distance from site and watercourses in between."
This inferno rages against a backdrop of record-breaking temperatures and a severe dry spell gripping the UK this summer, with temperatures soaring into the 30s across parts of the UK on Wednesday.
Suffolk officially became a drought zone on Wednesday, having received only 2% of its average monthly rainfall for July, creating tinder-dry conditions that fuel the fire's rapid spread.
The blaze consumed approximately 100 hectares by Thursday afternoon, with fire crews focusing efforts on protecting critical properties including Coastguard Cottages, Mount Pleasant Farm, and Cliff House Holiday Park.
Authorities prepared for the potential evacuation of around 200 caravans at Cliff House Holiday Park, and all individuals have successfully evacuated.
The RSPB Minsmere nature reserve closed as a precautionary measure, with reports confirming the fire has spread to parts of the reserve.
Michael Humphreys stated, "It's been an absolutely devastating fire for wildlife and for the local community who have come out in force to really support us, which we really do appreciate," adding that a significant number of fire breaks have been put in place to control the fire.
The public received urgent advice to avoid the area near Sizewell B, keep roads clear for emergency vehicles, and close windows and doors if smoke is present.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service urged, "It is essential that the area and surrounding roads are kept clear to allow emergency services to carry out their work safely and effectively, and to help protect members of the public."
Power has been cut to three postcodes across Suffolk, affecting 116 customers, as emergency services remain at the scene.
The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber heat-health alert for several regions in England, effective until 9 AM on Thursday.
Emergency services also make progress controlling a wildfire in the Cairngorms, Scotland, a blaze that started two weeks ago and led to the evacuation of several homes in that isolated area.
Fire crews expect to continue tackling the Dunwich Heath fire for the next 24 to 48 hours, with approximately 14 fire engines reportedly remaining at the scene on Thursday.
Moderate to heavy rain is forecast over Dunwich in the early hours of Friday, offering a potential, desperately needed reprieve to ongoing firefighting efforts.
I'd like to provide reassurance that we are going to remain on scene until we bring this fire under control.
Dan Davis affirmed, "I'd like to provide reassurance that we are going to remain on scene until we bring this fire under control."