A nuclear power station has been placed on high alert as a major wildfire continues to spread across Suffolk, raising concerns about the potential impact of smoke on the facility’s ventilation systems.
A major incident was declared after a large, wind-driven forestry fire broke out at Dunwich Heath yesterday, forcing the evacuation of nearby residents and holidaymakers.
Although Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said there is “no current risk” to the Sizewell B plant due to the direction of the winds, officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
The blaze is currently burning some three miles north of Sizewell B and is moving east toward the coast.
One source familiar with the plant’s operations told The Times contingency plans have been activated because a change in wind direction could carry smoke toward 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, adding this could affect operations inside the plant’s buildings.
Sizewell B generates around three per cent of the UK’s electricity, and remains fully operational despite the ongoing incident.
It is understood Sizewell B has an emergency plan in place that covers a range of scenarios, including a fire on site.
The blaze is currently burning some three miles north of Sizewell B
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RYAN LOVEJOY
Around 90 firefighters from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service have been deployed to tackle the blaze, equipped with drones and 4×4 quad bikes.
With dense smoke covering the terrain – already challenging enough to traverse – emergency crews have struggled to reach the heart of the fire, with visibility severely reduced.
Crews from Leiston, Reydon, Halesworth, Beccles, Ipswich East, Ipswich Princes Street, Lowestoft South, Lowestoft North, Stradbroke, Wrentham, Bungay, Saxmundham, Haverhill, Orford, Stowmarket, Felixstowe and Woodbridge are all on the scene.
The wildfire prompted the overnight evacuation of almost 200 caravans at Cliff House Holiday Park, along with residents staying at Coastguard Cottages and Mount Pleasant Farm.
Christian Elsley, owner of Flora Tea Rooms near Dunwich Beach, said smoke became visible during Wednesday afternoon, before conditions deteriorated later in the evening.
He told reporters: “My wife and I had to move our horses after the wind shifted,. “This morning the smoke was billowing across the area.
“We’ve been providing firefighters with bacon rolls, tea and coffee while they continue battling the fire.”
Nearby resident Paul Holmes said some 50 evacuees had been taken to Westleton Village Hall, where members of the local community were providing support.
Sizewell B generates around three per cent of the UK’s electricity, and remains fully operational despite the ongoing incident
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A spokesman for the fire service earlier said: “Following the update throughout the night, all individuals have been evacuated successfully.
“Residents are advised to stay clear of the area for their own safety and to allow our teams and partner agencies to carry out their essential work.”
The Suffolk wildfire comes as Britain experiences its fourth major heatwave of the summer, placing growing pressure on emergency services across England and Wales.
According to the Met Office, wildfire conditions remain severe across large parts of England and sections of Wales, with temperatures forecast to reach 35C into next week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber heat-health alert for the East Midlands, London, the South East and East of England before the fire broke out.
According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, fire crews in England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires so far this year, including more than 200 in the past two weeks – equivalent to a new wildfire roughly every 90 minutes.
Fire services continue to monitor eight active fires across Britain and warn that the threat of additional outbreaks remains high.