London Fire Brigade sends crews to Suffolk wildfire near Sizewell

Six fire engines from London have joined the effort to contain a wildfire on the Suffolk coast that has scorched 150 hectares of heathland. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident after the blaze broke out near Leiston shortly after 17:30 on 31 July. The fire is located a few miles from the Sizewell B nuclear power station and the Sizewell C construction site.

More than 100 firefighters and 18 fire engines are at the scene. Suffolk authorities said on 1 August that crews would likely remain for at least two more days. The fire service described progress as "good" but noted the situation remained dynamic, as reported by the *Evening Standard*.

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No threat to nuclear site, say officials

Freddie Gulliver of the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit told reporters there is no current risk of the fire spreading toward Sizewell B. An EDF spokesperson confirmed the blaze was not affecting operations at the power station, as reported by the *Evening Standard*. The company said it was monitoring the situation and that Sizewell B has an emergency plan covering fires on site.

Around 50 people have been evacuated from homes and Cliff House Holiday Park, which contains about 200 caravans. Suffolk County Council said the evacuation was precautionary. Those displaced were taken to Westleton village hall, which is serving as a rest centre. Gulliver praised local residents for opening their homes to evacuees.

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They’ve been absolutely brilliant at looking after everyone, so I want to stress my thanks and gratitude to everyone involved.

Freddie Gulliver, Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit

Power cuts and environmental impact

UK Power Networks reported that 116 customers across three Suffolk postcodes have lost power. The company has not said when supply will be restored, according to an update on the fire service’s website. The blaze has also spread to parts of the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, where footage shared by the fire service shows blackened trees and scorched ground.

Dry conditions fuel fire risk

The Met Office said Suffolk has received only 2% of its average July rainfall. Other counties have recorded as little as 1% or none at all. Temperatures reached the 30s in parts of the UK on 31 July, increasing the risk of wildfires. Green Party leader Zack Polanski called for an emergency Cobra meeting to address the outbreak of wildfires, as reported by the *Evening Standard*.

Lisa Gordon, 54, was on holiday with her husband and dog when they were evacuated from Cliff House Holiday Park. She told the Press Association the fire seemed distant at first but that smoke became thick as they left. "It’s a car, it’s a caravan, and it’s insured but at the end of the day it’s a lot of hassle," she said.

What happens next

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said it expects to continue tackling the blaze for at least two more days. Helicopters are being used to drop water on the fire, and crews are filling trenches to contain the spread. UK Power Networks has not provided a timeline for restoring power to affected customers.