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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Rosie Shead

Holiday park evacuated as firefighters battle huge wildfire near nuclear power plant

  • A major wildfire erupted on the Suffolk coast near Dunwich Heath on Wednesday evening, prompting Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service to declare a major incident.
  • The blaze , which had spread across approximately 100 hectares by Thursday afternoon, necessitated the precautionary evacuation of Cliff House Holiday Park, comprising around 200 caravans .
  • Nearby nuclear power stations Sizewell B and the Sizewell C construction site confirmed they were "closely monitoring" the situation, stating the fire was not impacting operations and posed a low risk due to its distance.
  • The fire has caused "devastating" and "unprecedented" damage to parts of RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, destroying habitats for rare wildlife such as nightjars, with recovery anticipated to take over a decade.
  • Fire crews are expected to continue tackling the extensive and complex fire for the next 24 to 48 hours, with its rapid spread attributed to tinder-dry conditions and ongoing drought .

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