A large wildfire has prompted the evacuation of hundreds of people near Sizewell, Suffolk, raising safety concerns due to its proximity to the Sizewell B nuclear power station and the nearby construction site of Sizewell C. The fire began on Wednesday evening at Dunwich Heath, close to Leiston, and had spread across approximately 150 hectares by Thursday, an area comparable to 200 football pitches.

Emergency services declared a major incident as firefighting efforts continued into Thursday night. More than 100 firefighters, alongside local farmers, were deployed to contain the blaze, supported by aerial water drops from a helicopter. Despite the challenging dry and windy conditions, officials noted some recent wind shifts have slightly aided containment efforts.

Cliff House Holiday Park, which includes around 200 caravans, was fully evacuated on Wednesday night as a precautionary measure. Approximately 50 individuals, including families with young children and pets, were temporarily housed at Westleton Village Hall. Several holidaymakers described the evacuation experience as sudden but orderly, with some recounting the urgency of the nighttime evacuation amid darkness and smoke.

Jon Lacey, chief fire officer for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, characterized the fire as "difficult and dangerous" and acknowledged it as one of the largest wildfires recorded in the county. He emphasized that while Sizewell B remains a key concern, the surrounding terrain provides a degree of separation, meaning the immediate risk of fire spreading directly to the nuclear facilities is limited. However, changing wind conditions continue to influence fire behavior, complicating efforts to predict its trajectory.

EDF Energy, which operates Sizewell B, indicated that current operations are not affected by the wildfire but confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored. A source familiar with the plant’s operations mentioned concerns over potential impacts on ventilation and air-conditioning systems, although no disruptions have been reported. Local power cuts affected a small number of customers in Suffolk, but these were not directly attributed to the fire's impact on energy infrastructure.

The wildfire follows persistent drought conditions across much of England and Wales, with Suffolk receiving only 2% of its average rainfall for July. Half of England had been officially declared in drought as of Wednesday, including the East Anglia region where the fire occurred. The dry conditions, combined with recent heatwaves, have increased the frequency and scale of wildfires nationally, with July 2026 marking a record for wildfire incidents in England and Wales.

Officials and fire services have stressed the growing challenge wildfires pose under changing climate conditions. Phil Garrigan, chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, noted that such events are becoming more frequent and severe, underscoring the need for adequate resources and preparedness.

Meanwhile, fires are also affecting parts of continental Europe, including France, Spain, and Turkey, amid ongoing hot and dry weather across the region. Authorities in Suffolk and beyond continue to prioritize containment efforts to safeguard residents, wildlife reserves such as RSPB Minsmere, and critical infrastructure against the advancing fire.