Suffolk fire live: Hundreds of firefighters battle 'unprecedented' wildfire near nuclear plant

Suffolk fire live: Hundreds of firefighters battle 'unprecedented' wildfire near nuclear plant A wildfire is raging in Dunwich Heath, Suffolk where evacuations have been ordered - the blaze is close to three nuclear plant sites, and has burned an area the size of 210 football pitches Hundreds of firefighters are battling through the night to contain a massive wildfire in Dunwich Heath, Suffolk, that has devasted a huge nature reserve and threatened a nearby nuclear power plant. Temperatures soared into the mid-30s in southern England on Thursday, burning an area the size of 210 football pitches in a National Trust reserve just a few miles away from Sizewell B - the UK's largest nuclear power plant. Some 200 caravans were evacuated this morning, with holidaymakers woken up by banging on their doors. Eighteen fire engines and more than 100 firefighters are now at the scene, with authorities saying they expect crews to be battling the blaze for the next two days. There is also concern for wildlife in the area, after nature reserve RSPB Minsmere announcing its closure this morning. RSPB Suffolk area manager Adam Rowlands said the land was home to rare wildlife including nightjars - and it could take "more than a decade" for the habitat to recover. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the fire service will have “all of the support” they need in tackling the blaze. On Thursday afternoon, an EDF spokesperson said the fire was “not affecting operations at Sizewell B power station”. Have you been affected by the fire at Dunwich Heath? Get in touch with us at livenews@reachplc.com Key Events A number of local people have taken to social media to share their thanks to firefighters at the scene. One wrote: "Words can’t express how grateful people are to the amazing fire crews." Another wrote: "Thank you so much for everything you are doing. Our family would love to send some thank you/care packages of tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits to all the crews stations in Suffolk who attended, is it best to get their address of the gov website?We know it doesn’t come anywhere near to show our gratitude but we appreiciate it more than you’ll know." A couple from Essex have recalled how they escaped the Suffolk wildfire as they and hundreds of other caravan park guests were evacuated. Stephen Bullock and his partner Christine Miller were staying at Dunwich Cliffs Estate caravan park, having travelled from Canvey Island in Essex for a three or four day stay. He became aware of smoke drifting across fields "quite a way away" at 5pm, which persisted for a few hours, then died down, so they watched a bit of TV and went to bed. However, at 11pm there was "frantic banging" on the caravan door as the park warden was evacuating visitors, flashlight in hand. Britain's extreme weather is set to persist throughout August - and is set to lead to the highest number of heat-associated deaths on record this year. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported the number of excess deaths caused by heatwaves so far this year is already more than double the number for the whole of last year. The Met Office says August is likely to be hotter and drier than usual. Making the start and spread of wildfires a higher risk. Read the full story here. The fire service have confirmed that power is back on at most of the properties impacted. In a statement posted just after 10pm on Thursday, the service said: “Power is back on at 111 of the 116 affected properties." The large wildfire near on the Suffolk coast is “stabilising”, the county’s fire service said. In a statement posted just after 10pm on Thursday, the service said: “Although this remains a dynamic incident, the situation appears to be stabilising and we believe we are in a better position than early this evening at 5pm. Power is back on at 111 of the 116 affected properties. “Our fire control team is getting a lot of calls about the smell of smoke at properties nearby. This is to be expected as night falls and smoke/ash drops to the ground. “We are reiterating our safety messages about keeping doors/windows closed, and calling 999 if in danger.” Mr Gulliver said he had not been told about reports the fire had expanded and said he could not comment on whether the number of firefighters tackling the blaze will increase. He added: "The community that run the village hall here have been absolutely phenomenal. They've been cooking evacuees breakfast and making them lunch and dinner as well and they'll be continuing that tonight and tomorrow morning as well. "They've been absolutely brilliant at looking after everyone so I want to stress my gratitude." He added firefighters are planning to continue working through the night. Freddie Gulliver, emergency planning manager, Suffolk joint emergency planning unit, updated evacuees at a 6pm briefing at Westleton village hall. He said: "The fire service are using 15 fire engines, plus a command vehicle. Their tactics are working and they are making good progress attacking the fire from the north by digging trenches and filling it with water as well. "They also have a helicopter as well that is dropping water and that is also helping with controlling the fire as well, so good progress is being made. "That said anything can still happen until the fire is out. It's still moving about at the moment. "They are getting extra engines from London as well as part of the national support they asked for." He added: "Fingers crossed they are hoping for a light shower tonight. We're not sure, but we're keeping our fingers crossed that might help." Organisers said the helicopter dropping water is from the National Trust. Angela Rayner has paid tribute to firefighters tackling a major wildfire in Suffolk. In a video posted to social media, the Communities Secretary said: “I want to pay tribute to the brave firefighters that are tackling the wildfire in Suffolk. Thank you. Your skill and dedication and bravery is outstanding. “My thoughts are also with the residents that have had to leave their homes. I know it’s incredibly difficult circumstances. The Prime Minister has made clear that the whole of Government will ensure that the fire and rescue services mutual aid and local services have all the resources they need.” Freddie Gulliver said there is currently no concern that the fire might spread towards Sizewell B power station. Speaking to reporters, Mr Gulliver said: “Sizewell is not a risk, a concern currently at this stage. From the meetings we’ve had at the moment, that hasn’t been a concern.” Mr Gulliver, from the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit, said at this stage, the local authority are not planning any more evacuations. He said while a rest centre has been set up for those who have been forced to evacuate, he expects a “low number of people” to actually stay there. The local authority worker added: “We currently have 40 beds on site. Whether we set them all up or not, we’ll see.” Our reporter, Patrick Hill, saw firsthand the devastation the wildfire at Dunwich Heath, Suffolk caused throughout Thursday, during which hundreds of people were evacuated from properties. At least 47 people, including babies, as well as five dogs, a cat and a mouse, were evacuated from lodges and caravans at Cliff House holiday park, near Dunwich Heath, after the fire began at around 5pm on Wednesday night. Freddie Gulliver, emergency planning manager, Suffolk joint emergency planning unit, updated evacuees at a 6pm briefing at Westleton village hall. Mr Gulliver said evacuees from affected camp sites and properties will not be allowed to return to them tonight. He said most evacuees have been accommodated in residents homes, but a small number will tonight also stay on camp beds at the makeshift rest centre at the village hall, which will be staffed all night. In an update this evening, Suffolk Council said: "Although the fire is dynamic, it remains stable and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is making good progress and confident that tactics are working and moving in the right direction. "Six appliances from London Fire Brigade will be joining the efforts." Michael Hadwen, the leader of Suffolk County Council, said incidents like the wildfire “show Suffolk at its best”. He told the Press Association: “The main evacuees have been holidaymakers, so there’s that added distress that, you know, they’re away from home, they can’t access their cars. I can imagine, especially for people with young children (or) older relatives, it is a very distressing situation, but hopefully they have seen what this community can do for them to get them involved.” Mr Hadwen said: “Communities like Westleton have opened their homes to evacuees. We’re seeing supermarkets donating food. We’d even got societies donating money, and people have really rallied. Actually, coming here today, as I thought was important to do to show the community we’re with them, there isn’t a feeling of great fear here or anxiety. “It’s a feeling of real support and community.” Freddie Gulliver, from the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit, told residents in a meeting at Westleton Village Hall that fire engines are being brought from London to tackle the wildfire. “They (Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service) are making good progress and tactics are working,” Mr Gulliver told dozens of people who gathered in the hall. “They are getting extra engines from London as well, so that’s the national support that they ask for as well to bring into the area. “There will still be no access to campsites or properties that have been evacuated, evacuated for tonight, in this evening.” He added that the fire service is “confident” it is tackling the fire, including by filling trenches with water and dropping water from helicopters. Green Party leader Zack Polanski has called for Prime Minister Andy Burnham to host an emergency Cobra meeting to discuss the outbreak of wildfires across the UK, including today's at Dunwich. "Across the country terrifying wildfires are raging, forcing people to leave their homes not knowing what they will come back to find," Polanski says. "Burnham should call a Cobra meeting and set out urgently how his Government will keep people safe amid this crisis." Burnham said in an earlier statement that he would make sure Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service had "all of the support" needed to tackle the ongoing wildfire. The latest update by the county council said: "The area affected by the wildfire has now grown to around 150 hectares. Changing wind conditions continue to affect the direction and behaviour of the fire, making it difficult to predict how it may spread. "Firefighters continue to work with support from our neighbours in the region. We have also requested additional national support, including wildfire specialist appliances, officers, and tactical advisors. "Around 50 people have received support through the rest centre, which remains open. "We expect the response to continue for at least the next 48 hours. While some rain is possible overnight, several more dry days are forecast." The National Trust has called for urgent adaptation to climate extremes – and warned the Government not to back down on action to cut emissions – as the UK battles the latest wildfires brought on by hot dry conditions, and half of England and Wales are now in drought. The charity’s intervention comes in the wake of 200 blazes nationwide in the past fortnight, include large areas of National Trust landscapes such as on the Isle of Wight and currently at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk. Hilary McGrady, director-general at the National Trust said: “We’ve all been watching in horror as our neighbours in Europe are battling the most extreme fires. “Fires like these might once have seemed unthinkable in Europe and the UK – but that certainty is gone.” She called for urgent adaptation to the new conditions, including building homes fit for the future, creating wetter and more resilient landscapes, cooling towns and cities and helping communities to prepare for the changing weather. “It means taking steps now to protect our health, our heritage and our way of life,” she urged. “But while we must adapt, we mustn’t accept these conditions as “normal” and become desensitised to the underlying issue while there is still time to change course. “Every nation has to tackle the problem at source – and that means leaving fossil fuels in the ground. Andy Burnham and his government must not stall in their response. The UK has responded to enormous challenges over the last century, and with enough will and strong leadership, it can do so again,” she urged. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released the following health advice to locals. Residents in areas affected by the smoke should stay indoors and keep their doors and windows closed. Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed. Some of the substances present in smoke can irritate the lining of the air passages, the skin and the eyes. Respiratory symptoms can include coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain, if you experience any of these contact your GP or call NHS 111. Chemicals in the smoke can worsen existing health problems like asthma so people are encouraged to carry their inhaler with them. Due to hot weather, we advise extra precautions: - Draw curtains to limit direct sunlight heating-up internal surfaces. - Use fans to recirculate air within the house to help keep cool. - Keep hydrated with cool drinks. - Set any air conditioning (preferably fitted with a HEPA filter) to recirculate mode. - Once the smoke has moved away: consider opening doors and windows to allow properties to cool down, being mindful of changing conditions. The smoke may have moved away but it could just be a brief respite and could return. It is important to listen to ongoing public advice about ventilating your property. More than 100 homes have been left without power following powercuts which are a “precautionary measure” the fire service has said. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement: “As a precautionary measure in support of the Major Incident response to the wildfire at Dunwich Heath, UK Power Networks (UKPN) has announced a power cut affecting three postcodes (IP17 3, IP19 9, IPSWI) and 116 customers, which they are investigating and fixing. “UKPN has not yet confirmed when power will be restored and has been communicating with customers.” Satellite images from NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) show the extent of the fire over the past 24 hours. The blaze has burned through an area equivalent to roughly 140 football pitches. A video released by Suffolk Council shows the devastation caused by the wildfire, which 18 fire engines and 120 firefighters are currently trying to extinguish. Drought has now been declared across the whole of Wales, with this month on course to be the driest July in Wales since records began 190 years ago, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said. North Wales and the Upper Severn were given drought status last week and, after continued low rainfall and high temperatures, this has now been extended to include the whole of the country, the devolved Government agency said. The majority of rivers across Wales are exceptionally low, and the dry conditions are leading to river beds drying out, distressing fish, causing algal blooms, and raising concerns from farmers about crop growth, the body said. There were also concerns about grazing conditions and levels of drinking water for livestock, it added. Rhian Thomas, Sustainable Water and Nature Manager at NRW, said: “The intensity of the heat and the exceptional lack of rainfall means this is a rapidly changing picture in Wales. “Our teams are closely monitoring forecasts and river flows and responding to increasing environmental concerns and incidents across Wales. “The toll on the environment, our land and agriculture is clear to see, with many of our teams still dealing with the aftermath of extensive wildfires which have devastated forestry, grassland and special habitats. “With no strong indications for notable rainfall in the forecasts, and risks of further heatwaves over the summer, it’s more important than ever that we all use water wisely. Every drop we waste is less water for our rivers and wildlife when they need it the most.” Suffolk Council shared images of firefighters on the ground tackling the blaze. The fire currently covers around 100 hectares, with 18 fire engines and supporting resources at the scene. Fire crews are currently working to contain the fire in “challenging conditions”, the council added. Staff at the Sizewell C nuclear power station, which is under construction nearby on the Suffolk coast, are closely monitoring the fire. A Sizewell C spokesperson said: “We’re continuing to closely monitor the fire at Dunwich Heath. It currently poses low risk to Sizewell C, given its distance from site and watercourses in between. “Sizewell C sites and offices continue to operate as normal, but we are continuously assessing the impacts of smoke and the effects on the road network to ensure that our people remain safe and emergency services have priority. “We remain available to support the local community, in collaboration with the local council and police and Fire and Rescue Services.” They added that Sizewell C had provided a minibus and space at their accommodation for evacuations. They have also deployed a water bowser to support the fire service and sent food and water to the fire service on the ground. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said a major incident remains in place Dunwich Heath, where a fire covering about 100 hectares is still not under control. Eighteen fire engines and 120 firefighters are on scene. The fire service said: "Firefighters are continuing their efforts to contain the fire in challenging conditions. "Some residents who have been evacuated are being supported at a rest centre, while many more have self-evacuated. "Residents and visitors are asked to stay away from the area to allow emergency services to carry out their work safely and effectively." Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will have "all the support" it needs to deal with the wildfire near the coast, the Prime Minister has pledged. Speaking to reporters, Andy Burnham said: "We’ve got the situation under close monitoring, and I’m receiving regular updates. "It is a very serious incident. I will make sure that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service have all of the support, the mutual aid, the other services that they need, and any other resources that need to be brought to bear." Mr Lacey has also spoken about the difficulty people faced as they had to be evacuated, saying some of them decided to leave their homes voluntarily. He explained around 46 people have been accommodated at the evacuation centre but that it was "difficult to say" when a return will be possible and if more will be asked to leave the area. Mr Lacey said: "I'm devastated for the poeple who've had to relocate but enthused by the amount of support. You can really feel the community spirit." Mr Lacey explained that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has "a good capacity in terms of fire engines". The force has 35 fire stations and "a lot of staff are on call". The fire chief added that the force is "always ready for a plan B" as neighbouring services have been asked to step in. This includes Cambridgeshire, Essex and Norfolk but could spread further afield if needed as all resources in Suffolk have now been used., with firefighters needing rest. A total of about 120 firefighters are now on scene, with 18 fire engines. Mr Lacey said: "The fire isn't significantly bigger but it's travelling. It has grown a little bit with the daylight conditions and it depends on the wind [how it will develop]." The officer added that the flames are now travelling inland and that the fire service is liaising with the Met Office to prepare hours in advance for the weather conditions that are to come. Deploying helicopters and planes to help extinguish the fire is also being discussed. Mr Lacey said: "We want to use every tactic we can." The fire at Dunwich Heath remains ongoing, with access to it described as "very difficult" by Jon Lacey, the chief fire officer of Suffolk's Fire and Rescue Service. In a briefing at Westleton Village Hall, Mr Lacey said the fire service is not expecting the winds to push the fire towards the Sizewell B or C power station sites but the situation is monitored. "At the moment Sizewell B and C are being monitored and we're in consultation with them, but we are not worried about the fire spreading in that direction," he said. The chief fire officer added: "It's a difficult fire because it's so widespread. It's one of the more challenging incidents we've had [and] one of the largest I can remember in the history of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service." The chief fire officer added that the fire "is still developing" but it has now been "surrounded with resources". Mr Lacey said the force has planned for the next 12 hours but resources will still be needed over the next two to three days as hotspots that will require damping down will remain. Mirror correspondent Patrick Hill is at the scene in Dunwich Heath and reports... Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has set up a strategic co-ordination centre, which is being chaired by Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey. He said they have just increased the operation to 18 fire engines in order to protect homes and businesses in the area of the fire. As fire engines raced past the village hall, he told residents said: "We're looking at every property as the fire moves forward and goes past to see if we can get you back inside to get your things and feed your animals. "It's a very dynamic and fast-paced incident. I wouldn't say the fire is surrounded and we're on top of it because it moves faster than we're able to deal with it. It's very challenging. The flames are quite high." Mr Lacey said the fire service are looking to see fire breaks and other ways to stop the fire."