Surrey fire: Major incident declared over large fire at Hankley Common - smoke seen on Heathrow runways

Fire services have declared a major incident due to a large blaze at a beauty spot in Surrey.

Several fire engines have been sent to the scene at Hankley Common where the fire is estimated to be affecting at least eight hectares of land, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said.

People have been advised to avoid the area with the warning to stay “far away from the fire as it can travel quickly”.

Screen grab from the Twitter feed of Alan Johnson of large blaze at Hankley Common in Surrey.
Alan Johnson/Twitter

The fire service said it was called just after midday on Sunday and that it expects crews to remain at the scene until at least Monday.

The cause of the blaze is unknown, it added.

The fire service also urged locals to keep doors and windows closed amid a “great deal of smoke”.

The common was used for filming for part of the James Bond film Skyfall.

Screen grab from the Twitter feed of Alan Johnson of large blaze at Hankley Common in Surrey.
Alan Johnson/Twitter

On Sunday, the fire service tweeted: “We have declared a major incident at Hankley Common due to a large fire in the open.

“We have several fire engines in attendance.

“There is a great deal of smoke so please avoid the area, windows and doors should be closed if nearby and pets kept indoors.”

Handout photo issued by Jordan Bridge of large blaze at Hankley Common in Surrey.
Jordan Bridge

Surrey Police officers said they are assisting their fire service colleagues and that Thursley Road which runs alongside the common has been closed.

While it said the reason for the blaze has not been established, the fire service urged people to “please help keep our outdoors safe: pack a picnic instead of a disposable bbq & dispose of cigarettes correctly”.