Fire crews are tackling a grass fire that is ‘travelling fast due to the wind’ in Surrey which is larger than 40 hectares and has spread to a golf course.
Play at the Rose Ladies Series Grand Final had to be halted after a blaze which began on Chobham Common spread to Wentworth golf course.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said it sent 10 fire engines, two water carriers and 10 other vehicles to tackle the blaze.
The fire service has warned the fire is travelling fast due to the wind and have told people on the common to evacuate and residents to shut their doors and windows.
The blaze could be seen from more than 20 miles away in west London and from tall buildings in central London.
The grand final of the Rose Ladies Series golf has been suspended after the huge fire encroached on Wentworth Golf Course in Surrey
The fire has continued to rage into the evening and has sent huge plumes of smoke into the sky that can be seen more than 20 miles away
The fire started at around 12.25pm in Chobham Common before spreading to the nearby golf course
The fire started in Chobham Common, Surrey, before spreading to Wentworth golf course
Ten fire engines have been sent in total, alongside multiple specialist vehicles, with the first arriving at the scene around 12.35pm
A spokesman for the fire service said: ‘We received a call this afternoon around 12.25pm to a report of a fire on Chobham Common.
‘Ten fire engines have been sent in total, alongside multiple specialist vehicles, with the first arriving at the scene around 12.35pm.
‘Approximately 41 hectares of grass and undergrowth are alight. Crews remain at the scene tackling the fire.’
Surrey Fire and Rescue added: ‘Surrey Fire and Rescue are working hard to get the fire under control, and we are assisting with evacuations and road closures.
Chobham Road is closed between Titlarks Hill Road and the roundabout junction with Windsor Road and Chertsey Road
The blaze could be seen for miles around including from tall buildings in central London
‘If you are on the common you need to evacuate immediately, following instructions from the police and fire officers on the ground.
‘If you decided to walk off the common, but have left a vehicle in one of the car parks, please message us immediately so we can account for you.
‘The fire is travelling fast due to the wind, and there is also a risk of reduced visibility due to smoke.
‘If you are affected by the smoke from the fire please keep windows and doors shut to avoid health problems.’
Smoke from the fire was visible in London and had earlier been mistakenly thought to be coming from Heathrow airport by some on social media.
The fire stops play as the group of Cara Gainer, Sophie Powell and Gabriella Cowley wait to play off during day three of The Rose Ladies Series on The West Course at Wentworth Golf Club
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said it sent 10 fire engines, two water carriers and 10 other vehicles to tackle the blaze
Ash assumed to be from the fire has been reported to have fallen on homes as far as Windsor.
Councillor for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead said: ‘Ash is now falling in my garden in Windsor.
‘I can only assume from Chobham. It must be a huge fire.’
The railway at Longcross in Surrey has been blocked and trains cannot pass because the fire is encroaching on the line.
Police vehicles attend the blaze that began on Chobham Common, Surrey, and spread to Wentworth golf course
Approximately 41 hectares of grass and undergrowth are alight. Crews remain at the scene tackling the fire
The Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats said: ‘Trains between Reading and Waterloo will run between Reading and Ascot or Waterloo and VirginiaWater, with replacement transport between Ascot and Virginia Water.
‘Disruption expected until 8pm.’
Chobham Road is closed between Titlarks Hill Road and the roundabout junction with Windsor Road and Chertsey Road.
Rose Ladies Series is a one-off professional women’s tournament, consisting of of seven single day competitions, culminating in a three-day grand final.