More than 100 firefighters are battling a wildfire that has grown to roughly 150 hectares on the Suffolk coast, prompting a major incident declaration and mass evacuations near the Sizewell B nuclear power station. The blaze, which began at Dunwich Heath on 29 July 2026, was stabilising by the evening of 30 July but Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service expects operations to continue for at least 48 hours.
Approximately 100 to 150 people were evacuated, including residents and guests at Cliff House Holiday Park, while UK Power Networks cut electricity to 116 homes. EDF confirmed the fire is not affecting operations at Sizewell B, and Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey said the blaze was not expected to reach the station or the Sizewell C construction site.
The fire has spread into the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, with area manager Adam Rowlands calling the damage unprecedented in living memory. Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged full support to emergency crews, while the blaze comes as half of England was declared in official drought.