Major fire on heath near Sizewell B — hundreds evacuated

On Thursday a major fire broke out on Dunwich Heath just five kilometres from the Sizewell B nuclear power station on the English coast in Suffolk, after which a large holiday park was evacuated and a state of readiness was declared. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/uknews/comments/1vale6z/hundreds_of_brits_evacuated_from_holiday_park_in/?utm_source=openai))

Fire services say around 120 firefighters and 18 fire engines are working to extinguish the blaze on the heathland near Dunwich; teams have focused on protecting surrounding buildings and critical infrastructure. Authorities warned the situation is dynamic and could change rapidly. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/suffolk/comments/1vatj1z/major_incident_declared_as_90_firefighters_tackle/?utm_source=openai))

Hundreds of holidaymakers and residents were moved from Cliff House Holiday Park after the flames approached the campsite; it was reported that around 200 caravans and holiday pitches were evacuated while firefighters tried to prevent the fire spreading. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/uknews/comments/1vale6z/hundreds_of_brits_evacuated_from_holiday_park_in/?utm_source=openai))

Authorities said the fire does not currently pose a direct threat to the Sizewell B plant, noting the station has its own fire protection infrastructure. Sizewell B provides approximately 3% of the United Kingdom's electricity needs, making the plant a significant element of Britain’s energy system. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/unitedkingdom/comments/1vaqndq/suffolk_wildfire_nuclear_power_station_on_high/?utm_source=openai))

Forecast and risks

Fire crews estimate that extinguishing the blaze could take at least another two days, with high temperatures and winds fuelling the fire's spread and complicating the response. Experts had previously warned the country could face "extremely destructive" fires due to extreme heat. ([london-fire.gov.uk](https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/news/2026-news/july/firefighters-issue-summer-holiday-hot-weather-warning-for-london/?utm_source=openai))

Footage and social media posts show the size of the fire and the plume of smoke. One meteorological channel wrote: "Huge fire in Dunwich Health, Suffolk. It’s one of the largest wildfires ever seen in the area." Authorities said they will keep local communities informed of any further developments. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/uknews/comments/1vale6z/hundreds_of_brits_evacuated_from_holiday_park_in/?utm_source=openai))

Photo: Screenshot / X/@itvanglia