A major incident has been declared after a large wildfire broke out at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, close to the Sizewell B nuclear power station. Firefighters are tackling the blaze, which has spread to about 247 acres – the equivalent of 140 football pitches.
The fire, which started on Wednesday evening, has prompted the evacuation of nearby properties and campsites as a precaution. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said 120 firefighters and 18 fire engines are at the scene, with crews from 17 stations across the county deployed.
No risk to nuclear plant
EDF, which operates Sizewell B, confirmed that the fire is not affecting operations at the power station. An EDF spokesperson said: “The fire at Dunwich Heath is not currently affecting operations at Sizewell B power station but we are continuing to monitor the situation.”
Sizewell C, the construction site nearby, said the wildfire poses a low risk given its distance and watercourses in between. The fire is spreading inland, and firefighters are working to contain it using fire breaks and other tactics.
Prime Minister pledges support
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the incident is being closely monitored and that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will have “all of the support” needed. Speaking during a visit to Cumbria, he said: “We’ve got the situation under close monitoring, and I’m receiving regular updates. It is a very serious incident. I will make sure that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service have all of the support, the mutual aid, the other services that they need, and any other resources that need to be brought to bear.”
Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene for 24 to 48 hours. Incident commander Christopher May said crews are working to protect life and property while minimising environmental impact.
Challenging conditions
Suffolk Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey said the wildfire is moving faster than crews can contain it, describing it as “one of the more challenging incidents we've had here in Suffolk.” He added that helicopter support is being considered and that wind conditions are being closely monitored. The fire has been travelling further inland, with smoke now visible from mid-Suffolk.
The National Trust, which manages Dunwich Heath, has closed the site and urged the public to avoid the area. RSPB Minsmere, next to the heath, also closed as a precaution. Road closures remain in place around Minsmere Road, Westleton Road and Dunwich Road.
Cause unknown
The cause of the wildfire is not yet known, and an investigation will be carried out. Green Party leader Zack Polanski has called for an emergency Cobra meeting to discuss the outbreak of wildfires across Great Britain. The National Trust has also called for urgent adaptation to climate extremes, warning the Government not to back down on action to cut emissions.
