Popular UK tourist attraction is forced to SHUT as major wildfire sparks evacuation of hundreds of holidaymakers

A POPULAR UK tourist attraction has been forced to close after a major wildfire at a National Trust site sparked a massive evacuation. Nature reserve RSPB Minsmere announced this morning that it would close as flames continue to tear through nearby Dunwich Heath in Suffolk. A nearby RSPB nature reserve has been forced to close Credit: PA Fire crews have been fighting the inferno for more than 12 hours Credit: PA Some 200 caravans have been evacuated as the wildfire wreaks havoc on the National Trust Site. This morning, more than 12 hours after the fire broke out, the RSPB attraction announced it would be closing. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The nature reserve said it was a precautionary measure, adding that it would issue updates when the attraction could reopen. In a statement on social media, RSPB Minsmere said: “Due to the ongoing situation at Dunwich Heath, Minsmere will be closed today (Thursday, July 30). Around 90 firefighters remain at the scene today Credit: AFP The blaze is burning just four miles away from the UK’s biggest nuclear power plant Credit: PA Fire has engulfed the National Trust site Credit: PA Holidaymakers were forced to evacuate as the inferno raged on Credit: PA “This is a precautionary measure and we will keep you updated as to when the reserve will reopen.” A major incident has been declared as the fire service say it could be tackling the blaze for another 48 hours. Crews have successfully evacuated Coastguard Cottages, Mount Pleasant Farm and Cliff House Holiday Park alongside the 200 caravans at the holiday park in the dead of night. The fire is also only around three miles from Sizewell B nuclear power station. Most read in The Sun It is not thought to be a threat to the station currently, but the service said it is a “live and dynamic situation.” The fire broke out just after 5.30pm yesterday evening and is still not under control with 90 firefighters tackling the flames. Holiday-goers in the area, including families, pensioners and people with disabilities, were housed with villagers overnight and told not to return to their homes. The blaze broke out as families flocked to the area to enjoy the summer holidays on the Suffolk coast. Suffolk Fire and Rescue declared the inferno, which has burnt through 100 acres of heathland, a major incident “due to the size and complexity”. The wildfire is close to the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve and heading towards St James’ Church. Suffolk resident Millie Buchanan told The Sun she saw billowing smoke on her drive into Aldebburgh this morning on the A12. Heading to her job at a gallery, she said: “It’s horrible as its very close to Minsmere, which is a bird reserve we like to go to, so there is a lot of wildlife at stake.” Suffolk County Council said several road closures are in place including a full closure between the junction of Minsmere Road and Westleton Road, a partial closure on Dunwich Road and Walk Barn Farm Lane. Mill Road and Hard Piece Lane are both closed heading towards Dunwich.