Firefighters are tackling a huge blaze near a nuclear power plant in Suffolk as authorities declared a “major incident” and residents have been evacuated.At least 90 firefighters are tackling the “large-scale, wind- driven forestry fire” which broke out on Dunwich Heath on Wednesday, the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said.Residents in several coastal properties and caravans have been evacuated as crews issued an urgent plea for people to stay away from the area.There is no current risk to Sizewell B – a nuclear power station which provides electricity to 2.5 million households – due to the distance of the fire, but firefighters warn it is a “live and dynamic situation”.It comes after forecasters warned any wildfires that break out in the South of England this week could become “exceptionally severe” due to a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather across the country.The UK has experienced record-breaking temperatures this summer, with four heatwaves and a severe dry spell that has left the landscape parched.At the height of the third heatwave in mid-July, firefighters were battling 19 significant wildfires simultaneously in England and Wales.'No risk' to nuclear power plant at the moment, fire crews sayFire crews have said there is currently “no risk” to a nuclear power plant located near the fire, but that the situation is “live and dynamic”.The Sizewell B power plant is located further south down the Suffolk coast to where the wildfire is understood to have broken out.Firefighters said the blaze is currently travelling easterly, meaning the nuclear power plant is not at risk.In a statement this morning, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) wrote: “At this time there is no current risk to Sizewell B, due to the distance from the fire and the direction it is travelling (Easterly). “However, this is a live and dynamic situation and as a result any further updates will be shared accordingly.”Nicole Wootton-Cane30 July 2026 09:15Forecasters warned wildfires could be 'exceptionally severe' this week Forecasters warned that any wildfires that broke out in the South East of England this week could be “exceptionally severe” due to hot and dry conditions this summer.The Fire Severity Index looks at data including rainfall, temperature and humidity, and agencies use it to assess the severity of fire if it starts. It does not cover the chances of wildfires occurring.Nicole Wootton-Cane30 July 2026 09:10In pictures: Smoke billows over Suffolk as wildfire tears through Dunwich HeathSmoke is visible across Suffolk on Thursday morning (Billy Rogers/Facebook)People have been warned to avoid the area (Billy Rogers/Facebook)Around 70 firefighters are currently tackling the blaze (Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service)Nicole Wootton-Cane30 July 2026 09:00'Hundreds' of people evacuated overnight firefighters battle blazeFirefighters have worked to evacuate residents of at least 200 caravans and nearby properties due to the blaze on Dunwich Heath.In a statement last night, SFRS said preparations had been made for the potential evacuation of “around 200 caravans” at Cliff House holiday park should conditions require it.In an update this morning crews confirmed the caravans had been evacuated, saying: “Following the update throughout the night, all individuals have been evacuated successfully. “We are advising all those who have been displaced as a result of the fire to attend Westleton Village Hall at 08:00am for further updates.“Residents are advised to stay clear of the area for their own safety and to allow our teams and partner agencies to carry out their essential work.”Nicole Wootton-Cane30 July 2026 08:52Fire crews urge people to stay away from nearby beach due to 'seriousness' of fireFire crews have urged people to stay away from a nearby beach after a wildfire broke out in Suffolk.Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it is “strongly urging” the public to avoid visiting Dunwich Beach and the surrounding areas due to the blaze.“We understand that the warm weather makes a trip to the coast very appealing, but for everyone's safety we are asking people to stay away from the area at this time,” it said in a statement.“It is essential that the area and surrounding roads are kept clear to allow emergency services to carry out their work safely and effectively, and to help protect members of the public.”Fire crews are tackling the blaze (Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service)Nicole Wootton-Cane30 July 2026 08:46Wildfire tears through Suffolk heath as ‘major incident’ declaredFirefighters are battling a “large-scale” wildfire on Dunwich Heath in Suffolk this morning as authorities declared a “major incident”.Residents are being evacuated from the area after the blaze broke out on Wednesday evening, with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service urging people to stay away from the area.Around 90 firefighters worked overnight tackling the flames in what the fire service called “arduous conditions”.Nicole Wootton-Cane30 July 2026 08:40