Fire crews battling huge blaze on Chobham Common in Surrey
Written by News on 08/08/2020
Fire crews are battling a huge wildfire on Chobham Common in Surrey.
Some 10 fire engines, two water carriers and several other vehicles have been dispatched to the scene to tackle to the fire, according to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
It added that the call came in at around 12.25pm on Friday, with initial crews taking 10 minutes to reach the scene.
The blaze, which is larger than 40 hectares (0.5 square kilometres), has spread to the nearby Wentworth Club golf course, ending play at the Rose Ladies Series Grand Final.
Pictures from Sky Sports showed flames on the edge of the golf course, as competitors were sent away for safety.
Trains between Reading and London have been disrupted as a result of the fire, after smoke covered rail lines.
It was initially thought the flames, which can be seen for up to 10 miles, were coming from Heathrow Airport after reports surfaced on social media. Those later turned out to be false.
Local MP Michael Gove tweeted: “I’m horrified by the damage this wildfire has done to Chobham Common – and hope people will heed this evacuation warning – thanks to Surrey Fire and Rescue service for their bravery in tackling this terrible tragedy.”
Resident, 23-year-old Griff Ryan, said that the fire began with a “strange light”, and later became a “wall of flames”.
“Smoke got gradually worse and ash began falling into our garden,” he said.
“Now standing on Chobham road. At around 5pm fire still wasn’t visible from the road.
“Over about half an hour it’s become visible and now can see a wall of flames down towards the railway line.
“Other residents I’ve spoken to have said it’s the worst they’ve seen in 30 years.”
Crews remain at the scene.
(c) Sky News 2020: Fire crews battling huge blaze on Chobham Common in Surrey
