A major wildfire tearing through Suffolk has triggered emergency contingency plans at one of Britain’s key nuclear power stations, as officials monitor the threat posed by shifting winds and thick smoke.
The blaze at Dunwich Heath, which has forced the evacuation of residents and holidaymakers, is burning around three miles north of Sizewell B nuclear power station and has been declared a major incident by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.
While officials insist there is currently no direct risk to the plant, concerns have been raised over the potential impact of smoke if weather conditions change.
A source familiar with the station’s operations said contingency measures had been activated because a change in wind direction could carry smoke towards the site.
“If the wind changes or the fire spreads closer to Sizewell, smoke could be drawn into the station’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems,” the source said, warning that this could potentially affect operations within parts of the facility.
Sizewell B, which generates around 3% of the UK’s electricity, remains fully operational. The plant has emergency procedures designed to deal with a wide range of threats, including fires.
But the incident has highlighted the growing pressure facing Britain’s infrastructure as extreme heat and dry conditions fuel a surge in wildfires.
Around 90 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the Suffolk blaze, using drones, specialist vehicles and off-road equipment as dense smoke and difficult terrain hamper efforts to contain the flames.
The fire forced the overnight evacuation of almost 200 caravans at Cliff House Holiday Park, along with visitors staying at National Trust properties including Coastguard Cottages and Mount Pleasant Farm.
Emergency crews from across Suffolk were mobilised as flames spread through dry woodland and heathland, with firefighters warning the wind-driven blaze remains challenging.
The wildfire erupted as Britain faces its fourth major heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to climb towards 35C in parts of the country.
The National Fire Chiefs Council has warned that wildfire risk remains elevated, with crews in England and Wales responding to 706 incidents so far this year, including more than 200 in just two weeks.
Fire chiefs said prolonged dry weather, rising temperatures and strong winds were creating “rapid escalation” risks, with multiple active incidents continuing to be monitored.
The Suffolk blaze is the latest reminder of the growing threat posed by extreme weather events, with emergency planners increasingly preparing for scenarios once considered rare in the UK.
For Sizewell B, the immediate danger remains contained. But as Britain enters another period of intense heat, officials are watching the flames — and the wind — closely.
Sizewell said in a statement: “The fire at Dunwich Heath is not currently affecting operations at Sizewell B power station, but we are continuing to monitor the situation.”
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