13-07-2025
Firefighters tackle large blaze at Surrey nature reserve
The fire was captured by Laura Watts.
Firefighters have been tackling a large blaze at a nature reserve in Surrey, as temperatures remain high across the south.
Surrey Fire & Rescue Service reported 16 fire engines at the scene on Hankley Common, in Thursley, in a post on X on Saturday evening, July 12th.
The heathland, part of a SSSI nature reserve, is home to rare lizards and ground-nesting birds.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Cllr Phoebe Sullivan from Waverley Borough Council said the fire had now been contained, but crews were still monitoring the situation.
The fire service said about eight hectares (20 acres) of woodland and heathland was affected and advised local people to avoid the area and to close windows and doors.
In 2022 a devastating fire in the area prompted a major incident and the evacuation of more than 20 homes.
The Common is used as an army training area, and has been used as a film set, including for the James Bond film Skyfall.
The latest heatwave has led to hosepipe bans being brought in across parts of the country, with temperatures set to remain high on Sunday.
Temperatures are forecast to dip marginally compared to yesterday with possible highs of 31C, before Monday brings some relief from the baking heat.
South East Water said demand for drinking water had reached "record levels since May" and announced impending restrictions which will mean customers in Kent and Sussex are banned from using a hosepipe to water gardens and plants, clean vehicles, fill swimming pools or ponds or clean paths, walls or windows from July 18.
Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said: "While we've seen the peak of the heat in this heatwave through today it's still going to be very warm on Sunday before turning cooler for many of us on Monday.
