Suffolk fire live: Nuclear plant monitors ‘unprecedented’ wildfire destroying rare bird habitat

Suffolk fire live: Nuclear plant monitors ‘unprecedented’ wildfire destroying rare bird habitat A wildfire is raging in Dunwich Heath, Suffolk where evacuations have been ordered - the blaze is close to three nuclear plant sites, and has burned an area the size of 140 football pitches Hundreds of people were evacuated overnight after a wildfire erupted in Dunwich Heath, Suffolk, with firefighters still battling to bring it under control today. Temperatures have soared into the 30s in southern England today, doing little to help the huge emegrency response. The fire has now burned an area the size of 140 football pitches, posing a risk to holiday parks and the UK's largest nuclear power plant. Some 200 caravans were evacuated, with holidaymakers woken up by banging on their doors. EDF says it is "continuing to monitor the situation" at the Sizewell B power plant, while staff at Sizewell C - a planned nuclear power station located 10 miles from the fire - say there is a "low risk". There is also concern for wildlife in the area, after nature reserve RSPB Minsmere announcing its closure this morning. RSPB Suffolk area manager Adam Rowlands said the land was home to rare wildlife including nightjars - and it could take "more than a decade" for the habitat to recover. The fire spread across Dunwich Heath due to a change in wind conditions overnight, and there are fears more changes could worsen the situation. Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey said it was a "very dynamic and fast-paced incident", adding: "I wouldn't say the fire is surrounded and we're on top of it because it moves faster than we're able to deal with it." Have you been affected by the fire at Dunwich Heath? Get in touch with us at [email protected] Key Events Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will have "all the support" it needs to deal with the wildfire near the coast, the Prime Minister has pledged. Speaking to reporters, Andy Burnham 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." Mr Lacey has also spoken about the difficulty people faced as they had to be evacuated, saying some of them decided to leave their homes voluntarily. He explained around 46 people have been accommodated at the evacuation centre but that it was "difficult to say" when a return will be possible and if more will be asked to leave the area. Mr Lacey said: "I'm devastated for the poeple who've had to relocate but enthused by the amount of support. You can really feel the community spirit." Mr Lacey explained that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has "a good capacity in terms of fire engines". The force has 35 fire stations and "a lot of staff are on call". The fire chief added that the force is "always ready for a plan B" as neighbouring services have been asked to step in. This includes Cambridgeshire, Essex and Norfolk but could spread further afield if needed as all resources in Suffolk have now been used., with firefighters needing rest. A total of about 120 firefighters are now on scene, with 18 fire engines. Mr Lacey said: "The fire isn't significantly bigger but it's travelling. It has grown a little bit with the daylight conditions and it depends on the wind [how it will develop]." The officer added that the flames are now travelling inland and that the fire service is liaising with the Met Office to prepare hours in advance for the weather conditions that are to come. Deploying helicopters and planes to help extinguish the fire is also being discussed. Mr Lacey said: "We want to use every tactic we can." The fire at Dunwich Heath remains ongoing, with access to it described as "very difficult" by Jon Lacey, the chief fire officer of Suffolk's Fire and Rescue Service. In a briefing at Westleton Village Hall, Mr Lacey said the fire service is not expecting the winds to push the fire towards the Sizewell B or C power station sites but the situation is monitored. "At the moment Sizewell B and C are being monitored and we're in consultation with them, but we are not worried about the fire spreading in that direction," he said. The chief fire officer added: "It's a difficult fire because it's so widespread. It's one of the more challenging incidents we've had [and] one of the largest I can remember in the history of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service." The chief fire officer added that the fire "is still developing" but it has now been "surrounded with resources". Mr Lacey said the force has planned for the next 12 hours but resources will still be needed over the next two to three days as hotspots that will require damping down will remain. Mirror correspondent Patrick Hill is at the scene in Dunwich Heath and reports... Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has set up a strategic co-ordination centre, which is being chaired by Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey. He said they have just increased the operation to 18 fire engines in order to protect homes and businesses in the area of the fire. As fire engines raced past the village hall, he told residents said: "We're looking at every property as the fire moves forward and goes past to see if we can get you back inside to get your things and feed your animals. "It's a very dynamic and fast-paced incident. I wouldn't say the fire is surrounded and we're on top of it because it moves faster than we're able to deal with it. It's very challenging. The flames are quite high." Mr Lacey said the fire service are looking to see fire breaks and other ways to stop the fire." Mirror correspondent Patrick Hill is at the scene in Dunwich Heath and reports... Freddie Gulliver, emergency planning manager, Suffolk joint emergency planning unit, told evacuees: "The fire is still being quite challenging for fire crews to work with at the moment. "They are increasing up to 18 fire engines to tackle the fire and they have requested national assets in dealing with this fire. It is still moving in different directions. "There are currently no casualties that we are aware of. This could be an ongoing situation for the next 24 to 36 hours." RSPB Suffolk area manager Adam Rowlands said the affected land, some of which is managed by the National Trust and the RSPB, was home to rare wildlife including nightjars and it would take "more than a decade" for the habitat to recover. He added: "It’s been years of effort to get the habitats in such good condition. “The record numbers of nightjars and Dartford warblers and nightingales breeding on the site this summer – so years of hard work to get those bird populations to really evolve, and then absolutely devastated and wiped out by this one event, so it’s really heartbreaking for the team and all the effort they do." Temperatures soared across parts of the UK on Wednesday, reaching into the 30s in some places. Speaking near the site, RSPB Suffolk area manager Adam Rowlands said the scale of the blaze was "unprecedented in living memory" and the damage was "quite devastating". He said: "It’s been tinder dry so with the drought conditions, all the vegetation, the ground is extremely dry and so once this fire took off, it spread dramatically and quickly. "It’s spreading through the pine trees so in places that’s 20 metres high." The blaze is a few miles way from nuclear power station Sizewell B and the construction site for new power station Sizewell C. An EDF spokesperson said the fire was “not affecting operations at Sizewell B power station”. The energy supplier said it was “closely monitoring the situation” and it is understood Sizewell B has an emergency plan in place that covers a range of scenarios including a fire on site. A spokesperson for Sizewell C said the construction site was also “closely monitoring” the fire, adding “it currently poses low risk to Sizewell C, given its distance from site and watercourses in between”. “Sizewell C sites and offices continue to operate as normal, but we are continuously assessing the impacts of smoke and the effects on the road network to ensure that our people remain safe and emergency services have priority,” they said. “We remain available to support the local community, in collaboration with the local council and police and Fire and Rescue Services.” Mirror correspondent Patrick Hill is at the scene in Dunwich Heath, and spoke to one family affected by the fire. One couple, on holiday from Southampton, told how they had to evacuate their family-owned static caravan with their two young sons in their pyjamas with such haste they forgot to bring the children’s shoes. The boys mum, who did not want to named, said: "It was scary. We just kind of grabbed them and left. They’re still in their pyjamas - no shoes. "We first saw the smoke at around 7pm while eating our dinner. It very quickly with the change of wind took a very different direction. "I’d say we were quite lucky because we were actually at one of the furthest points, but we could definitely smell it. "As soon as we left the caravan we were straight out into the smoke. "We came here [to the village hall] and a couple asked us 'would you like to stay at ours?' "They’ve said we can stay again tonight. We’re due to be on holiday here until Saturday. We’re hoping we can get back in at some stage. "It’s a really lovely community, they have been amazing." The fire service previously said crews are likely to remain on scene for the next 24 to 48 hours due to the complexity of the blaze. Mirror correspondent Patrick Hill is at Dunwich Heath and described the devastating scene as the fire now spans 100 hectares. The smell of smoke occasionally fills the air with changing wind, as well as the sound of sirens from passing fire trucks and the whirring of a helicopter passing intermittently overhead. Sandwiches, pet food, bedding and pillows are handed out at Westleton Village Hall to those who have been evacuated from holiday lets and caravans near the fire. Mirror correspondent Patrick Hill is at Dunwich Heath and spoke to one of the volunteers helping those affected by the blaze. Barry Banks, 52, has lived in the village full-time for the past five years. He told the Mirror: "We were made aware by the smell of smoke and sirens. We’re lucky we haven’t had too many fires in the past but it’s always in the back of everyone’s minds. "By the time we got down here to open up there was already a strong team of volunteers ready to help in any way they could." The shelter was fully operational from 10pm yesterday, with people being evacuated from campsites up until around 1am. Mr Banks went on: "It was a great effort. We’re very proud. We arrived this morning to cook a full breakfast for everyone that was housed overnight. "From the two updates we’ve had this morning, we understand things are still very fluid as far as the fire is concerned. "The fire service are trying to slow the spread, but with the wind whipping up and due to change direction shortly, according to the forecast, it’s still a bit of the unknown. "We understand there were possibly 18 to 20 fire appliances at its peak. It was constant through the night with sirens. "It was amazing to see the response from everyone, emergency services especially." The Ship at Dunwich, a pub located just two miles away from Dunwich Heath, has announced it will be closed today due to the fire. A statement from the venue reads: "Due to the wildfire on Dunwich Heath, we have made the decision to close today to ensure team and guest safety while emergency services continue to work in the area. "Our guests have been contacted directly. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Most importantly, we hope everyone working to tackle the fire stays safe." It is understood the fire now spans 100 hectares. Fire services from as far away as Essex are arriving to help with the emergency effort. The smell of smoke occasionally fills the air with changing wind, as well as the sound of sirens from passing fire trucks and the whirring of a helicopter passing intermittently overhead. At Westleton Village Hall, locals are banding together to help others, including holidaymakers, who have been evacuated from holiday lets and caravans near the fire. Volunteers set up the makeshift rescue centre late on Wednesday night after the scale of the fire became clear. They are helping evacuees to sort accommodation and giving away free food and drinks, including sandwiches, delivered from supermarket chain Waitrose, to the needy, including babies, families, elderly residents and some in wheelchairs. Volunteers are also handing out pet food to animals evacuated. Shortly before midday, they anlso unpacked bedding and pillows from a delivery van before moving them into the main hall. Among the volunteers is Barry Banks, 52, who has lived in the village full-time for the past five years. He told the Mirror: "We were made aware by the smell of smoke and sirens. We’re lucky we haven’t had too many fires in the past but it’s always in the back of everyone’s minds. "By the time we got down here to open up there was already a strong team of volunteers ready to help in any way they could. "We were fully open and operational for refreshments from about 10pm and then we heard that people were being evacuated from the campsites up until about midnight, 1am. "We managed to get 47 people housed with the village. Everyone that turned up here was successfully housed. "It was a mixture of accommodation, but I’d say about 80-90 per cent was people’s houses. It was a great effort. We’re very proud. "We arrived this morning to cook a full breakfast for everyone that was housed overnight." Barry added: "From the two updates we’ve had this morning, we understand things are still very fluid as far as the fire is concerned. "The fire service are trying to slow the spread, but with the wind whipping up and due to change direction shortly, according to the forecast, it’s still a bit of the unknown. "We understand there were possibly 18 to 20 fire appliances at its peak. It was constant through the night with sirens. "It was amazing to see the response from everyone, emergency services especially." Two more fire trucks passed through the village of Westleton at around 11.40am, where local authorities have set up a refuge at the village hall. A helicopter can also be heard overhead. Locals there are being advised to keep their windows closed and emergency accommodation is being offered to anyone, including families who have had to evacuate their homes. Staff at Sizewell B, the active power station located about 3 miles from the fire at Dunwich Heath, continue to monitor the situation but the site is not on high alert, Mirror Online can confirm. A spokesperson for EDF, the company running Sizewell B, said: "The fire at Dunwich Heath is not currently affecting operations at Sizewell B power station but we are continuing to monitor the situation." The power station has a fully developed and well-rehearsed emergency plan in place, covering a broad range of emergency scenarios. This includes a fire on site and the plan can be activated if required. Sizewell C, a planned nuclear power station located about 10 miles away from the Dunwich Heath fire, is currently at low risk from the blaze. A Sizewell C spokesperson said: "We are closely monitoring the fire at Dunwich Heath. "It currently poses low risk to Sizewell C, given its distance from site and watercourses in between. "Sizewell C sites and offices continue to operate as normal, but we are continuously assessing the impacts of smoke and the effects on the road network to ensure that our people remain safe and emergency services have priority. "We remain available to support the local community, in collaboration with the local council and police and Fire and Rescue Services." Mayor of Aldeburgh, TJ Haworth-Culf, said firefighting crews continue to work tirelessly to get the blaze, which he described as "devastating", under control. His statement reads: "This is a deeply distressing incident, and I know I speak on behalf of all my fellow councillors and community when I say how grateful and humbled we are by the courage, dedication and professionalism of everyone involved. "We are all hoping for positive news over the coming hours and that the fire can be brought safely under control. "Our thoughts are also with the communities of Westleton and Dunwich, the visitors staying at the nearby caravan park, and the teams from the RSPB and National Trust who are working hard to create firebreaks and limit the spread of the fire. "I am sure everyone will join us in hoping for a safe conclusion to this incident as soon as possible." The mayor has also urged people to follow the guidance issued by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. He added: "Please also spare a thought for the wildlife and the precious habitat that has been affected. It is a very sad day for our local community." Changing wind conditions this morning mean more evacuations have been ordered, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service says. Winds are blowing from the north-west, while the fire is heading east. Incident commander Christopher May, of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, has just issued a new update on the fire at Dunwich Heath. He explained firefighters will remain on scene for the next 24 to 48 hours as a major incident remains active. Mr May said: "Our crews have been firefighting throughout the night to ensure that they protect life and property. "We're also trying to make sure the impact to the local environment is minimised to the best of our ability. "Crews will continue to fight fire in the local area for the next probably 24 to 48 hours due to the size and complexity that we face. We're still in a major incident." One holidaymaker at Cliff House Holiday Park described hearing mentions of the fire at Dunwich Heath early yesterday evening. Speaking to Hits Radio News, the man said: "I saw a bit of smoke but didn't really worry too much about it. "We then got reports that it was getting worse and they asked us to pack our stuff and be ready to go." Police officers then asked people to leave, with the holidaymaker advised to go to Westleton Village Hall. He said: "We were all ready to go [but] others had to be evacuated with just what they were wearing. "We'll probably wait for the next update and then head back up to Norfolk where we live." There have been almost double the number of excess deaths caused by heatwaves so far this year than in last summer, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said. A new report estimates there were 2,877 heat-associated deaths during the heatwaves in May and June this year, almost double the figure reported from the UK heatwaves in June to August last year. An estimated 753 deaths were associated with the May heatwave from May 24-27, and a further 2,124 with the June heatwave between June 21 and 28. "While these figures remain interim, they are already approaching the annual record reported by UKHSA in 2022," the report said. According to a post on X, the smoke rising from the fire at Dunwich Heath is visible from Mid Suffolk. This is more than an hour's drive away from the heath, with 31.6miles between the two. Firefighters continue to battle the flames at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk as a major incident was declared last night due to the size of the blaze. Around 200 holiday caravans were evacuated from the area, while multiple road closures have been put in place. People are still advised to avoid the area. The fire is located just a few miles from Sizewell B, the UK's largest nuclear plant, but this is currently not at risk. Two holidaymakers woke up to "hammering" on their door at 11.30pm yesterday as they enjoyed their stay at a holiday cottage at Dunwich Cliffs. Justin North and his wife had noticed the smoke at around 5.30pm but told the BBC they "didn't really give it much thought". Hours later, they were told to "go immediately", leaving them with no time to pack their belongings. The couple had to sleep in their car, with driving conditions made difficult by driving in the nightime smoke, before they accessed the evacuation centre that was set up. Suffolk County Council said that around 200 caravans were also evacuated from Cliff House Holiday Park. All those displaced were advised to attend Westleton Village Hall for updates. Dunwich Heath receives up to 200,000 visits every year, making it one of the busiest coastal and wildlife destinations on the Suffolk coast. It was named as one of the "most invigorating" breaks in the UK by The Times last year, attracting large crowds in the summer season. Framlingham Town Council, located a 30-minute drive from Dunwich Heath, states: "A precious landscape on the Suffolk coast. Tucked away on the Suffolk coast, Dunwich Heath offers you peace and quiet and a true sense of being at one with nature. "A rare and precious habitat, the Heath is home to special species such as the Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark, ant-lion, adders and much more. "Quiet and serene, wild and dramatic, this is an inspiring visit, whatever the time of year. "From July to September, the Heath is alive with colour; a patchwork of pink and purple heather and coconut-scented yellow gorse is an unmissable experience." Dunwich Heath has been described by the National Trust as a "precious landscape on the Suffolk coast". A book shop, tea room, play area and holiday cottages are available, along with family-friendly walks. There is also a wartime trail along the beach, where walkers can find defences installed to defend the coast during the Second World War. According to precipitation maps from the Met Office, moderate to heavy rain is now expected over Dunwich in the early hours of Friday. This will start lightly and briefly around 1am and possibly peak at 8-16mm/hour - considered heavy rain - between 4am and 7am. Some rain is also possible in the early hours of Saturday. Luckily, no strong winds have been forecast by the Met Office for Dunwich, with just a light breeze reaching speeds of up to 11mph expected over the weekend. Suffolk was one of the drought zones declared yesterday, with temperatures expected to remain in the high 20s for the rest of today. These will drop to about 21C tomorrow, when cloudy conditions are also expected. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to avoid visiting Dunwich Beach and surrounding areas, also sharing advice on how to prevent new fires. An update shared by the service reads: "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 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." People should dispose of cigarettes and matches safely and never throw them from a vehicle, avoid parking on dry grass as hot exausts can ignite vegetation and not use disposable barbecues unless in designated areas. The public has also been asked to ensure barbecues are fully extinguished after use and to not light fires in the countryside or other unsuitable locations. Bonfires and fire pits should also be avoided. We have now had official confirmation that the fire at Dunwich Heath poses no threat to Sizewell B, the UK's largest nuclear plant, at this time. It is located a few miles away from the blaze. Suffolk County Council said: "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."