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Crews work overnight to stop spread of scrap fire

News imageHIWFRS Firefighters crouch in front of a towering pile of scrap metal holding water hoses to douse the flamesHIWFRS
The fire, involving about 3,000 tonnes of scrap metal, broke out at lunchtime on Monday

Firefighters have spent the night tackling a blaze involving 3,000 tonnes of scrap metal.

The fire broke out at a yard in Greenway Lane in Buriton, near Petersfield, on Monday at about 12:30 BST.

Crews worked overnight using machinery at the yard to separate the metal to create fire breaks and limit the fire's spread.

Surrounding roads in the village remain closed with people being urged to avoid the area.

News imageBig Ladder Photography Drone shot of flames and black smoke coming from John Huntley scrapyard. Fire vehicles can be scene on the site and an adjoining road. The site is surrounded by fields, trees and private gardensBig Ladder Photography
The plume of black smoke could be seen rising into the skyline on Monday afternoon

At its height, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said 40 firefighters from six stations were sent to the blaze which sent plumes of thick black smoke into the air.

South Western Railway temporarily stopped trains between Petersfield and Havant.

The line reopened by mid-afternoon with services having to run at reduced speed.

News imageNetwork Rail Wessex Trees and bushes either side of train tracks with thick black smoke billowing acrossNetwork Rail Wessex
The fire forced trains to halt temporarily between Petersfield and Havant

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