UK's largest nuclear power station Sizewell B placed on standby due to nearby wildfire

On July 30, the UK's largest nuclear power station, Sizewell B, was placed on "standby" status due to a heathland fire at Dunwich Heath, less than 5 kilometers from the plant site. There is currently no risk of the fire spreading toward the facility given wind direction. EDF stated it is "continuously monitoring, with no threat to facility safety," but approximately 120 firefighters and 18 fire engines were deployed to tackle the blaze in the Liston area. Suffolk Fire Service assessed the fire as "active and changing," warning it could last two days, with hundreds of homes evacuated.

Suffolk Fire Service warned the fire is expected to last two days and described it as an "active and evolving" situation. Hundreds of properties have been evacuated as firefighters continue to battle the raging forest fire. Experts noted that during the UK's fourth heatwave of the year, the country could experience "unusually severe" forest fires, following record-breaking high temperatures.

The cause of the fire remains unclear. Fire services stated it is too early to draw conclusions, but investigations into possible causes have already begun. The fire comes amid sustained high temperatures in the UK, heightening growing concerns over extreme weather events.