Surrey's emergency services have urged residents to be vigilant after a spate of wildfires this month left large swathes of open land damaged and prompted formal warnings from fire authorities. Prolonged warm, dry weather has left grassland and woodland in the county especially susceptible to ignition, officials say.
Recent incidents and scale of damage
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service reported that a wildfire on Chobham Common scorched about 1.8 hectares at its peak, leaving the ground "crispy and burnt". Elsewhere, in Abbot's Wood an area measuring about 600m by 200m of gorse and trees was alight. A separate incident involved around 70 sq m of smouldering grass and trees.
| Location | Approximate area affected |
|---|---|
| Chobham Common | 1.8 hectares |
| Abbot's Wood | 600m × 200m |
| Other small incident | 70 sq m |
Warnings and practical advice
The Environment Agency has confirmed that parts of Kent and East Sussex are now classified as regions in prolonged dry weather. In response, fire services across Sussex, Surrey and Kent have issued public guidance aimed at reducing the likelihood of further blazes.
- Avoid using disposable barbecues in open spaces.
- Take litter home and extinguish smoking materials properly.
- Do not park vehicles on dry grass — hot exhausts can ignite vegetation.
- Keep garden and field waste away from combustible materials.
"By taking a few simple precautions, residents can help protect their communities, local wildlife and our firefighters,"
The comment above was made by Matt Gamblen, the wildfires tactical adviser for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, urging preventative action. Fire crews stressed that even a small spark can lead to a rapidly spreading blaze in tinder-dry conditions.
Local impact and community concerns
Local landholders and farmers have expressed alarm at how quickly fires can take hold. Steven Conisbee, who runs Barracks Farm near Fetcham, described watching flames on his land as "quite alarming" and warned that repeat incidents are a genuine risk given what he called a "total tinderbox" situation. Fire services say that unpredictable winds and continuous dry vegetation make it difficult to forecast exactly where the next fire might start.
Residents are advised to follow updates from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and local authorities, to report any signs of fire promptly and to follow simple preventative measures. With the county's commons, downs and hedgerows under strain from the dry spell, a cautious approach is being urged to protect both people and the environment.
For further information and real-time alerts, consult the official channels of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and local police and council websites.
