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

Suffolk wildfire latest: Firefighters battle blaze near huge nuclear power plant with ‘major incident’ declared Fire crews are warning people to stay away from the area as residents are evacuated - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Firefighters are tackling a huge blaze near a nuclear power plant in Suffolk as authorities declared a “major incident” and residents have been evacuated. At least 90 firefighters are tackling the “large-scale, wind- driven forestry fire” which broke out on Dunwich Heath on Wednesday, the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said. Residents in several coastal properties and caravans have been evacuated as crews issued an urgent plea for people to stay away from the area. There is no current risk to Sizewell B – a nuclear power station which provides electricity to 2.5 million households – due to the distance of the fire, but firefighters warn it is a “live and dynamic situation”. It comes after forecasters warned any wildfires that break out in the South of England this week could become “exceptionally severe” due to a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather across the country. The UK has experienced record-breaking temperatures this summer, with four heatwaves and a severe dry spell that has left the landscape parched. At the height of the third heatwave in mid-July, firefighters were battling 19 significant wildfires simultaneously in England and Wales. Fire crews urge people to stay away from nearby beach due to 'seriousness' of fire 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.” Wildfire tears through Suffolk heath as ‘major incident’ declared 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”. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments