Surrey fire: Huge evacuation and roads SHUT as firefighters battle 'wall of flames'
A FIRE on Chobham Common which spread to around 150 acres at its peak is still spreading, with more firefighters expected to respond to the area today.
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Firefighter crews are still fighting the smouldering fire on Chobham Common. The cooling temperatures overnight reduced the blaze. However, the fire is still spreading and the Fire Brigade have asked people to avoid the area for their own safety.
Surrey Fire & Rescue Service tweeted: "A number of roads in the area remain closed.
"Some properties were evacuated.
"Residents that were evacuated should not return to their homes."
From mid-day on Friday 10 fire engines, two water carriers and several other vehicles have been dispatched to tackle to the fire.
When the fire was reported, fire crews took 10 minutes to reach the scene.
Yesterday trains between Reading and London had been disrupted as a result of the fire.
Yesterday a spokesperson for South West Railway said: "Due to a fire next to the track between Staines and Ascot all lines are blocked.
"Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised.
"Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
"We are very sorry for any delay that this may cause to your journey."
Cabinet minister and MP for Surrey Heath Michael Gove described the fire as a “tragedy”.
He went on to thank search and rescue teams for their help in dealing with the incident.
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Mr Gove tweeted: "I'm horrified by the damage this wildfire has done to Chobham Common.
"I hope people will heed this evacuation warning.
"Thanks to Surrey Fire and Rescue service for their bravery in tackling this terrible tragedy."
A man from Sunningdale, which is near the scene of the blaze described seeing a "wall of flames" around 1pm on Friday.
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Griff Ryan said: "Smoke got gradually worse and ash began falling into our garden.
“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.”