- Firefighters battling a large wildfire near Britain’s biggest nuclear power station have said the blaze is “stabilising”, as firefighting efforts enter their third day.
- The Fire and Rescue Service stated they were in a “better position” than they were a few hours earlier, although the blaze near Sizewell B is still a “dynamic incident”.
- At least 12 fire engines will remain at the scene overnight into Friday to manage smaller fires, and electricity has returned to 111 of the 116 properties affected by earlier power cuts.
- The area affected by the wildfire has grown to 150 hectares – the equivalent of approximately 210 football pitches.
- Freddie Gulliver from the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit stated there is currently no concern of the fire spreading towards Sizewell B.
- Around 50 people have been evacuated from their homes and a local holiday park to Westleton, which now serves as a rest centre.
Firefighters are making progress against a large wildfire at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, which has expanded to 150 hectares, approximately 210 football pitches. The blaze, near Sizewell B nuclear power station, is reported to be stabilizing as firefighting efforts continue into their third day.4
The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service stated that they are in a “better position” than earlier, although the situation remains a “dynamic incident.” At least 12 fire engines are on site, with over 100 firefighters actively managing the fire and smaller outbreaks. Electricity has been restored to 111 of the 116 properties affected by earlier power cuts.23
Freddie Gulliver from the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit reassured the public that there is currently “no concern of the fire spreading towards Sizewell B.” However, around 50 residents have been evacuated from their homes and a local holiday park, Cliff House Holiday Park, which contains about 200 caravans, has been completely evacuated as a precaution. The village hall in Westleton is now serving as a rest center for those displaced.5
An EDF spokesperson confirmed that the fire is “not affecting operations at Sizewell B power station.”
“Fire and Rescue Service reported that at least 12 fire engines will remain at the scene overnight to manage smaller fires, with electricity restored to 111 of the 116 properties affected by earlier power cuts. Additionally, around 50 people have been evacuated to Westleton, which now serves as a rest centre.”
The Independent
