HAMPSHIRE fire service crews are assisting in the response to a major wildfire in Surrey.
Several crews from the county have been drafted in to support the effort in fighting the blaze, which involves a 40-hectare area at Chobham Common.
The incident started in the common on Friday and had spread to Wentworth golf course, halting play in the Rose Ladies Series Grand Final tournament.
Surrey Fire and Rescue service said residents who have been evacuated from their homes will not be able to return until this morning at the earliest.
“The fire on Chobham Common is an ongoing incident with significant numbers of emergency services on the scene who are likely to remain there for some time,” the fire service tweeted.
“Some local roads in the area remain closed to allow crews to work and for public safety. Please continue to avoid the area.
“A number of homes in the area have had to be evacuated for safety reasons.
“Any resident that has been evacuated should not return to their homes until it’s safe to do so – this will be tomorrow morning at the very earliest.”
Smoke from the fire was visible well over ten miles away and had earlier been mistakenly thought to be coming from Heathrow airport by some on social media.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here