A major incident has been declared after a forest fire broke out near Sizewell B nuclear power station in Suffolk. Around 70 firefighters are tackling the blaze at Dunwich Heath, a National Trust nature reserve located about 50 miles north-east of Colchester.
Firefighting Efforts Underway
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has sent 14 fire engines, along with Unimogs, drones, and 4x4 quad bikes. Station manager Dan Davis later said 90 firefighters were at the scene. He said: "I'd like to provide reassurance that we are going to remain on scene until we bring this fire under control."
Fire crews were first called to the blaze at 5.30pm on Wednesday and remained at the scene more than eight hours later. Smoke was visible before sunset, and residents reported smelling it as far south as Pakefield, a southern suburb of Lowestoft.
Preparations for Evacuation
As a precaution, crews protected properties including Coastguard Cottages, Mount Pleasant Farm, and Cliff House Holiday Park. Preparations were made for the potential evacuation of around 200 caravans at the holiday park if conditions required it.
A later update said firefighters remained at the scene with relief crews, and the incident ground had been reorganised into sectors to support the response. Specialist drone support was used to assess fire behaviour and support operational decision-making through the night.
No Threat to Nuclear Plant
Experts said there was no need for alarm over the fire's closeness to Sizewell B, Britain's most recently built nuclear power station. The plant became operational in 1995, employs around 900 workers, and is run by French electricity giant EDF, which recently agreed to continue operations until 2055. Sizewell B supplies enough electricity to power around 2.5 million homes, accounting for about 3% of Britain's total electricity supply.
Suffolk County Council confirmed the major incident in an official statement, saying: "Fire crews are working in coordination with multiple emergency services to ensure the public are kept safe. Once again, members of the public are advised to avoid the area to allow our teams to carry out their essential work."
