A major incident has been declared after a “forest fire” broke out close to Sizewell B nuclear power station, which is responsible for around 3 per cent of Britain’s total electricity supply.
The public has been urged to avoid the area around Dunwich Heath, keep roads clear for emergency vehicles and close windows and doors if smoke is nearby.
Around 70 firefighters are tackling the blaze at the nature reserve, with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service sending 14 fire engines and specialist equipment including Unimogs, drones and 4×4 quad bikes.
Dunwich Heath, which has been managed by the National Trust since 1968, is located around 50 miles north-east of Colchester.
Suffolk County Council confirmed the scale of the emergency in an official statement, with the fire around 2.5miles from Sizewell B and moving closer in a southwest direction according to a report by the Telegraph.
It said: “A Major Incident has been declared due to the size of the fire. Fire crews are working in coordination with multiple emergency services to ensure the public are kept safe.
“Once again, members of the public are advised to avoid the area to allow our teams to carry out their essential work.”
The blaze has raised concerns because of its proximity to Sizewell B, Britain’s most recently built nuclear power station, which is around 50 miles north-east of Ipswich in Suffolk.
The plant became operational in 1995 during John Major’s Conservative government and employs around 900 workers. It is currently run by the French electricity giant EDF, which recently agreed to continue operations until 2055.
Sizewell B supplies enough electricity to power around 2.5 million homes.
Essex Live reported that experts had said there was no need for alarm over the closeness of the fire to the Sizewell B site.
Fire crews were first called to the blaze at 5.30pm on Wednesday and remained at the scene more than eight hours later.
Smoke from the fire was visible before sunset, with residents reporting they could still smell it as far south as Pakefield, a southern suburb of Lowestoft.
Firefighters also made preparations for a possible evacuation of around 200 caravans if conditions required it.
A later update said: “Firefighters remain at the scene, with relief crews now in attendance to maintain firefighting operations. The incident ground has been reorganised into a number of sectors to support the ongoing response.
“As a precaution, crews have been focused on protecting properties including Coastguard Cottages, Mount Pleasant Farm and Cliff House Holiday Park. Preparations were also made for the potential evacuation of around 200 caravans at the holiday park should conditions require it.
“Specialist drone support is being used to help assess fire behaviour and support operational decision-making through the night. Members of the public are still advised to avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.”
Earlier in the evening, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service station manager Dan Davis said 90 firefighters were at the scene.
He said: “I’d like to provide reassurance that we are going to remain on scene until we bring this fire under control.”