A wildfire in Suffolk, England, has been declared a major incident, growing to an estimated size of 210 soccer pitches amidst high temperatures and shifting winds. The blaze, located at Dunwich Heath, is causing disruptions, including a power cut affecting 116 customers in the area.
Officials have stated that nearby nuclear power stations, Sizewell B and Sizewell C, are not currently at risk. An EDF Energy spokesperson confirmed that the fire is not affecting operations at the Sizewell B power station, though the situation is being continuously monitored. "We are not on high alert," the spokesperson told TIME. Representatives from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are in consultation with the nuclear facilities but expressed no immediate concerns about the fire spreading in that direction.
"Changing wind conditions continue to affect the direction and behavior of the fire, making it difficult to predict how it may spread," a statement from local emergency services indicated. Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, the Member of Parliament for Suffolk Coastal, praised the work of the fire brigade and emergency services and urged the public to avoid the area to allow responders space to work.