Wildfire breaks out across acres of nature reserve

News imageGetty Images An off-road fire engine with large tires and a red and yellow livery. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is written along the top of the vehicle. A man is spraying water from a hose above the cab.Getty Images
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to avoid the area (stock image)

A large wildfire has broken out on Whitmoor Common nature reserve in Surrey.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has said it had deployed 10 appliances to the blaze, which broke out on Thursday on the 166-hectare (410-acre) Site of Special Scientific Interest on the northern outskirts of Guildford.

The fire is believed to be covering about 1 hectare (2.5 acres) and people are being urged to avoid the area.

"Nearby residents should also close their windows and doors," said SFRS.

More than 3 hectares (7 acres) of heathland at the site were also affected by wildfire in April.

Surrey Wildlife Trust, which manages conservation at Whitmoor Common, previously said such areas are at particular risk during prolonged dry periods.

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