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Chobham Common fire: Large blaze engulfs nature reserve | Chobham Common fire: Large blaze engulfs nature reserve |
(30 minutes later) | |
A large fire has engulfed an area of heathland on the largest national nature reserve in the south east of England. | A large fire has engulfed an area of heathland on the largest national nature reserve in the south east of England. |
The blaze at Chobham Common in Surrey was discovered and reported by wildlife workers at about 11:30 GMT. | The blaze at Chobham Common in Surrey was discovered and reported by wildlife workers at about 11:30 GMT. |
The fire service said about 40 firefighters were tackling the blaze which covered about 30 hectares. | |
Surrey Wildlife Trust said: "Please stay safe and avoid the area until further notice." | Surrey Wildlife Trust said: "Please stay safe and avoid the area until further notice." |
Surrey Fire & Rescue said it was receiving help from Hampshire, London, West Sussex and Berkshire fire crews. | Surrey Fire & Rescue said it was receiving help from Hampshire, London, West Sussex and Berkshire fire crews. |
Staple Hill crosses the common and has been closed by Surrey Heath Police. | |
The Thames Basin Heaths Partnership, a project focused on protecting the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, said: "Our team witnessed this wildfire at Chobham Common National Nature Reserve. | The Thames Basin Heaths Partnership, a project focused on protecting the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, said: "Our team witnessed this wildfire at Chobham Common National Nature Reserve. |
"Thanks to their quick action, the fire crews arrived quickly, but fires can grow at a frightening pace." | "Thanks to their quick action, the fire crews arrived quickly, but fires can grow at a frightening pace." |
The project said the common was a "very precious and endangered heathland habitat, home to some of Britain's rarest wildlife". | The project said the common was a "very precious and endangered heathland habitat, home to some of Britain's rarest wildlife". |
Seasonal warden Hannah Needham tweeted that it was a "really sad day" for reptiles and invertebrates at the common. | Seasonal warden Hannah Needham tweeted that it was a "really sad day" for reptiles and invertebrates at the common. |