Hundreds of holidaymakers have been evacuated as firefighters battle a large wildfire in Suffolk, with the blaze spreading rapidly towards the Sizewell B nuclear power station. The fire on Dunwich Heath, which began around 5:30 p.m. on July 29, 2026, is moving in the direction of the power station, located approximately 2.5 miles away.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service station manager Dan Davis urged the public to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed. Crews from Leiston responded to what was described as a "large-scale, wind-driven forestry fire," which has since been upgraded to a major incident. Approximately 90 firefighters are currently on scene working in challenging conditions. Davis stated that crews would remain on site until the fire is under control.
The incident occurs as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the East Midlands, East Anglia, the South East, and London, remaining in effect until 9 a.m. on Thursday. The agency has previously warned that rising temperatures could increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Separately, in Scotland, crews have reported making "significant progress" in tackling a wildfire in the Cairngorms that ignited two weeks prior. Homes in the remote region were evacuated due to plumes of smoke, and large areas of trees, heather, and grassland have been scorched. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deputy assistant chief officer Michael Humphreys noted that while progress is being made, the risk of flare-ups remains high. He described the fire as "devastating for wildlife and for the local community."