Suffolk wildfire latest: Firefighters battle blaze near huge nuclear power plant with major incident declared

Fire crews have said there is currently “no risk” to a nuclear power plant located near the fire, but that the situation is “live and dynamic”.

The Sizewell B power plant is located further south down the Suffolk coast to where the wildfire is understood to have broken out.

Firefighters said the blaze is currently travelling easterly, meaning the nuclear power plant is not at risk.

In a statement this morning, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) wrote: “At this time there is no current risk to Sizewell B, due to the distance from the fire and the direction it is travelling (Easterly).

“However, this is a live and dynamic situation and as a result any further updates will be shared accordingly.”

Forecasters warned that any wildfires that broke out in the South East of England this week could be “exceptionally severe” due to hot and dry conditions this summer.

The Fire Severity Index looks at data including rainfall, temperature and humidity, and agencies use it to assess the severity of fire if it starts. It does not cover the chances of wildfires occurring.

Firefighters have worked to evacuate residents of at least 200 caravans and nearby properties due to the blaze on Dunwich Heath.

In a statement last night, SFRS said preparations had been made for the potential evacuation of “around 200 caravans” at Cliff House holiday park should conditions require it.

In an update this morning crews confirmed the caravans had been evacuated, saying: “Following the update throughout the night, all individuals have been evacuated successfully.

“We are advising all those who have been displaced as a result of the fire to attend Westleton Village Hall at 08:00am for further updates.

“Residents are advised to stay clear of the area for their own safety and to allow our teams and partner agencies to carry out their essential work.”

Fire crews have urged people to stay away from a nearby beach after a wildfire broke out in Suffolk.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it is “strongly urging” the public to avoid visiting Dunwich Beach and the surrounding areas due to the blaze.

“We understand that the warm weather makes a trip to the coast very appealing, but for everyone’s safety we are asking people to stay away from the area at this time,” it said in a statement.

“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.”

Firefighters are battling a “large-scale” wildfire on Dunwich Heath in Suffolk this morning as authorities declared a “major incident”.

Residents are being evacuated from the area after the blaze broke out on Wednesday evening, with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service urging people to stay away from the area.

Around 90 firefighters worked overnight tackling the flames in what the fire service called “arduous conditions”.