EDF nuclear plant chiefs monitor fire as flames rip through Dunwich Heath, reaching RSPB Minsmere
A “fast-moving” wildfire in Suffolk has spread to cover an area the size of 210 football pitches, according to fire chiefs, who expect to be tackling the blaze for another two days.
The Sizewell B nuclear power plant a few miles away is on alert as flames and smoke tear through Dunwich Heath, where at least 90 firefighters are battling the blaze.
Authorities have declared a major incident and residents in about 200 coastal properties and caravans were forced to leave. Many were put up by villagers three miles away.
Nuclear chiefs at EDF, who are understood to be monitoring the situation, said there was currently no risk to the power station.
The smoke and flames have also spread to the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, which includes nationally important wildlife habitats protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Prime minister Andy Burnham promised that firefighters in Suffolk would have all the resources they needed. Green Party leader Zack Polanski called for Mr Burnham to hold an emergency Cobra meeting.
Have you been affected by the wildfire in Suffolk? We’d like to hear from you. Please email jane.dalton@independent.co.uk
Suffolk has received only 2% of its average monthly rainfall for July so far, the Met Office says.
Other counties have recorded as low as 1% of average rainfall for July – or none at all, with today being the last day of the month.
Suffolk has recorded about a third (36%) of its average summer rainfall this year, from the start of June to the end of August, the Met Office said.
“There were some rain showers on the 1st/2nd and again 15th/16th,” a spokesperson for the forecaster said.
“Further showers are likely next week, possibly thundery, but with showers not everywhere will see the rain.”
Authorities say there is no concern that the fire might spread towards Sizewell B power station.
Freddie Gulliver, from the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit, said: “Sizewell is not a risk, a concern currently at this stage. From the meetings we’ve had at the moment, that hasn’t been a concern.”
He said at this stage, the local authority was not planning any more evacuations.
He said while a rest centre had been set up for those forced to leave, he expected a low number of people to actually stay there.
“We currently have 40 beds on site. Whether we set them all up or not, we’ll see,” he said.
Communities secretary Angela Rayner has paid tribute to the firefighters in Suffolk.
“I want to pay tribute to the brave firefighters that are tackling the wildfire in Suffolk. Thank you,” she said.
“Your skill and dedication and bravery is outstanding.
“My thoughts are also with the residents that have had to leave their homes. I know it’s incredibly difficult circumstances.
“The Prime Minister has made clear that the whole of government will ensure that the fire and rescue services mutual aid and local services have all the resources they need.”
A woman on holiday with her husband and dog in a touring caravan at the holiday park near the fire said they had to drive through smoke as they left for safety.
Lisa Gordon, 54, and her husband left the Cliff House Holiday Park in Dunwich, Suffolk, on Wednesday evening.
“Just looking at the pictures… it’s quite worrying how close it is to the park now.
“It’s a car, it’s a caravan, and it’s insured but at the end of the day it’s a lot of hassle, isn’t it? They are things that can be replaced. But it’s not the relaxing day we thought we’d be having.”
She said that when she and her husband were told to leave the holiday park, they could see smoke behind the trees.
Mrs Gordon added: “It was only as we walked to reception to meet the police that all of a sudden, it kind of hit us.
“Where we were, it didn’t seem too bad at all. We weren’t really panicking at all.
“But as we got to the reception and the entrance, then the smoke hits and we had to drive with the police through quite a lot of smoke.”
Fire engines are being sent from London to help tackle the wildfire.
Freddie Gulliver, of the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit, told residents at a meeting at Westleton Village Hall that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service were making good progress and their tactics were working.
“They are getting extra engines from London as well, so that’s the national support that they ask for as well to bring into the area,” he said.
“There will still be no access to campsites or properties that have been evacuated, evacuated for tonight, in this evening.”
He said the fire service was confident it was tackling the fire, including by filling trenches with water and dropping water from helicopters.
Mr Gulliver added: “Good progress is being made. That said, anything can still happen until the fire is out completely.”
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