Fire crews have reported that a large wildfire burning for more than 24 hours near Britain’s biggest nuclear power station is “stabilising”. Over 100 firefighters have been battling the blaze in Dunwich Heath, near Leiston on the Suffolk coast, since Wednesday evening.
By late Thursday, Suffolk fire and rescue service stated that the blaze appeared to be stabilising, despite remaining “dynamic”. At least 12 fire appliances stayed at the scene overnight to address smaller fires and monitor hotspots. A fire service spokesperson confirmed that progress is being made.
The “unprecedented” wildfire, which began around 5pm on Wednesday, has spread across approximately 150 hectares. It is located a few miles from Sizewell B nuclear power station and the construction site for Sizewell C. Freddie Gulliver, an emergency manager at the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit, said there was no immediate concern about the fire reaching Sizewell B. EDF, the energy supplier, confirmed the wildfire is “not affecting operations” at Sizewell B and that the company is monitoring the situation.
Around 50 people have been evacuated from their homes and a nearby holiday park, moving to Westleton where the village hall is serving as a rest centre. Conservationists have expressed concerns for rare birds and wildlife in the affected nature reserve, including RSPB Minsmere.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged “all of the support” needed for Suffolk’s fire service to tackle the wildfire. Green party leader Zack Polanski has called for an emergency Cobra meeting to discuss wildfires across Britain, including the Suffolk incident. The Met Office reports that Suffolk has received only 2% of its average July rainfall so far.