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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 was affecting about 30 hectares. 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.
Surrey Heath Police said it was also assisting, and warned people to avoid Staple Hill, which crosses the common, as it was closed. 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.
As fire crews tackled the Chobham blaze, West Sussex Fire and Rescue tweeted that dry weather conditions had led to a yellow wildfire alert for the UK.