Firefighters have declared a major incident due to a large fire at a beauty spot in Surrey.
Several fire engines were sent to the scene at Hankley Common, where the fire is estimated to have affected at least 8 hectares (20 acres) of land, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said. Images and footage from the scene showed flames and large plumes of smoke billowing across the common.
People have been advised to avoid the area, with a warning to stay “away from the fire as it can travel quickly”. Firefighters also urged residents to keep their doors and windows closed as there was “heavy smoke”.
Fire officials said they were called shortly after noon Sunday and expected crews to remain at the scene at least until Monday. The cause of the fire was unknown, he added.
The common was used to film part of the James Bond film Skyfall.
Smoke rises from Hankley Common on Sunday. Photo: Matthew Allen/Twitter/PA
The fire service tweeted: “We have declared a major incident on Hankley Common due to a large open fire.
“We have several fire engines in attendance. There is a large amount of smoke so please avoid the area, windows and doors should be closed if nearby and pets inside.”
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Surrey Police officers said they were assisting colleagues from the fire service and that Thursley Road, which runs alongside the common, had been closed.
While he said the cause of the fire had not yet been established, the fire service urged people to “please help keep our outdoors safe – have a picnic instead of a barbecue disposable and dispose of cigarettes properly.”