Around 90 firefighters were deployed to battle a massive, rapidly spreading wildfire at Dunwich Heath near Leiston, Suffolk, after a major incident was declared on Wednesday evening.
The blaze broke out just after 5:30 p. m.
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near the National Trust's Coastguard Cottages and spread south-west towards St. James's Church.
Overnight evacuations were ordered for nearby properties and 200 caravans at Cliff House Holiday Park.
Emergency crews focused on protecting local structures, including Mount Pleasant Farm, as high winds accelerated the spread of the flames during severe heatwave conditions across the region.
The fire burned roughly four miles from Sizewell B, the country's largest nuclear power station, which generates 3 percent of the nation's electricity.
Officials assured the public that the power station remained safe due to existing protective infrastructure and the current trajectory of the blaze.
"Crews from Leiston attended the scene and were met with what is a large-scale, wind-driven forestry fire," said Dan Davis, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service station manager.
Emergency teams continued working through arduous conditions to contain the blaze and secure the surrounding coastline.
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"We currently have approximately 90 firefighters on scene working incredibly hard in arduous conditions to bring this fire under control," said Davis.
Fire crews confirmed they would maintain a continuous presence on site until the situation was fully contained.
"I'd like to provide reassurance that we are going to remain on scene until we bring this fire under control," said Davis.
The fire service emphasized that while the power plant faced no immediate danger, the situation remained fluid.
"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)," said a Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson.
Authorities noted that emergency responses would be adapted as needed throughout the ongoing containment efforts.
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"However, this is a live and dynamic situation and as a result any further updates will be shared accordingly," said the spokesperson.
