Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Images and footage from the scene showed flames and large plumes of white/grey smoke billowing across the common.
People have been advised to avoid the area with the warning to stay “far away from the fire as it can travel quickly”.
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.
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.”
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”.
Flying instructor Jordan Bridge said the blaze was one of the largest he has seen in the area.
The 24-year-old, from Alton in Hampshire, said that at around lunchtime he saw “huge smoke clouds building to the east of Lasham Airfield” where he works.
He told the PA news agency: “After take-off I could see that the fire was covering a wide area with the smoke extending downwind over Guildford and Woking towards London.
“Obviously (I was) concerned for all involved in the local area given the already stretched resources of local fire services.
“I have seen wildfires before whilst flying but this was certainly one of the largest I’ve seen in the many years I’ve been in Surrey/Hampshire.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.