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Surrey grassland fire: Police close roads around blaze site

Watch: Grass fires break out in Surrey and London

Road closures have been put in place and people have been urged to stay clear of a wildfire in Surrey.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) says 50 hectares (123 acres) are affected by the blaze which began on Hankley Common near Farnham on Sunday.

It was scaled down from a major incident in the evening, but people are still being warned to avoid the area.

Three surrounding roads have been closed and Surrey Police said it would review the closures later.

On Monday evening, Aaron Spencer, group commander for SFRS, said the fire service had scaled back its response to the blaze.

Mr Spencer said: "We're now able to scale back our response with eight vehicles in attendance and this is no longer classed as a major incident.

"Our staff are likely to remain there overnight and some of tomorrow. Please continue to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed if you can smell smoke."

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Aerial view of fireSurrey Fire and Rescue Service
Smoke from Hankley Common could be seen for miles around

The roads closed are: Thursley Road junction with Dye House Road, Thursley Road junction with Jumps Road and Elstead Green.

Crews tackled another blaze on the same stretch of land on Wednesday when four hectares of Hankley Common near Elstead caught fire.

After that incident, the service warned that despite overnight rain, more warm weather was expected and vegetation remained extremely dry, urging the public not to use barbeques and to take care.

Hankley Common - known for its appearance in the Bond film Skyfall - is a heathland habitat and home to ground-nesting birds including nightjars and skylarks. It is owned by the Ministry of Defence and is used for training exercises.

Alan Johnson Fire on Hankley CommonAlan Johnson
People were warned about the dangers of a "great deal of smoke"
Alan Johnson Fire on Hankley CommonAlan Johnson
The cause of the fire on Hankley Common is unknown

SFRS thanked people who had provided food and drink to crews battling the flames.

After being inundated, the service has requested no more donations be sent and advised people to redirect any planned provisions to their local foodbank instead.

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People had reported seeing smoke over Guildford, Woking and Addlestone and on the M25 near Chertsey.

The cause of the blaze is unknown.

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