Crews battle forest blaze on MoD firing range in Hampshire
- Published
Thick plumes of dark smoke can be seen from miles around
A fire is being tackled which has engulfed more than 12 hectares of forest and scrubland on a Ministry of Defence (MoD) firing range.
Sixteen crews are in attendance after being called to Longmoor in Hampshire earlier. Thick plumes of dark smoke can be seen from miles around.
Residents have been told to avoid the area and keep windows and doors shut.
An MoD spokesperson said the fire, which is in the range's "danger area", was being contained.
Paul Booker, who was driving home after taking wildlife photos, told BBC News: "I saw three large mechanical diggers driving past earlier, so I expect they're trying to cut some more fire breaks to stop it going further."
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Mr Booker, who previously worked as a member of the fire service, added: "It's still burning, and the problem the fire service have got is it's in the military zone of the ranges."
Firefighters from both the Hampshire and Surrey services are onsite. Four hose reel jets and four Land Rovers are also being used to help fight the flames.
The MoD said: "We are aware of a fire at Longmoor Range... the fire continues to burn but is being contained."
It said it takes its role in "trying to prevent and control fires" from its activities "extremely seriously", and that fires could occur during dry weather at the site.
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