A large wildfire that ignited on a wetland reserve managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) near Suffolk’s Sizewell nuclear power station has burned through more than 370 acres, officials confirmed Thursday. The fire started at around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday within the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, located approximately three miles from Sizewell B.
The cause of the blaze remains undetermined, though RSPB area manager Adam Rowlands reported that volunteers had found evidence of remnants from an open fire on the reserve days prior, indicating possible human activity as a contributing factor. “It started on RSPB land,” Rowlands said, noting that the fire was first observed and is believed to have originated there.
The wildfire erupted amid an intense heatwave with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and an official drought declared over much of England. More than 120 firefighters have been deployed and continue to battle the fast-moving blaze. Efforts to contain the fire have included digging firebreak trenches filled with water and aerial water drops by helicopters drawing water from the nearby North Sea. Local farmers have also assisted by transporting water and offering expertise in managing field fires.
The fire has devastated habitats within the Minsmere reserve, a crucial environment supporting several rare bird species such as nightjars, Dartford warblers, and woodlarks. Rowlands described the damage as “complete devastation” and warned that years of restoration work to sustain these populations could be set back significantly. Shifting wind directions have complicated containment efforts, with responders facing unpredictable fire behavior.
Despite concerns, EDF Energy, which operates Sizewell B, stated that the nuclear site has not been directly affected by the fire but remains vigilant. Forecast models from the London School of Economics suggest that winds—which were pushing the fire away from the power station toward the coast—may change direction and intensify, potentially directing smoke and flames closer to the plant. Associate Professor Thomas Smith highlighted that if the thick smoke plume were to turn southward, it could envelop the facility.
Authorities maintain that the fire is unlikely to spread directly to Sizewell B or the adjacent Sizewell C plant, currently under construction, due to natural firebreaks such as wetlands, roads, and footpaths.
The blaze has prompted evacuations within affected areas, including the village of Westleton, where an evacuation center has been established to support over 200 displaced residents and visitors. Local businesses and community members have mobilized to provide shelter, food, and aid to those impacted.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham assured that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service would receive all necessary support, including mutual aid and additional resources, to manage the ongoing emergency. Community resilience has been notable, with farmers and volunteers responding quickly to the crisis.
Residents such as Rob Gordon, who was evacuated from a nearby caravan site, described the scene as “apocalyptic,” recalling the vivid red smoke visible at sunset. Emergency services continue their efforts to bring the wildfire under control amid challenging weather and terrain conditions.