Home / Disasters and Accidents / Surrey Wildfire Flares Amidst Heatwave
Surrey Wildfire Flares Amidst Heatwave
20 Jul
Summary
- A wildfire erupted at Chobham Common in the early hours of Sunday.
- The blaze reached a peak footprint of two hectares before being controlled.
- Firefighters suspect a recent campfire may have caused the wildfire.
A wildfire ignited at Chobham Common in Surrey during the early hours of Sunday, July 19, 2026. The blaze, which broke out off Red Lion Road, reached an estimated two hectares in size at its height. Fire crews from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service worked through the day and overnight to contain and control the wildfire.
Group commander Dan O'Donovan confirmed the fire was "surrounded" and "under control" as of Sunday evening. Despite the positive update, approximately 1.8 hectares of land were significantly affected by the flames. The exact cause remains unknown, but evidence of a recent campfire was found in the vicinity.
In response to the incident and the ongoing dry spell, the fire service has issued a strong public appeal. They are urging residents to take precautions such as disposing of litter properly, especially glass, opting for picnics instead of barbecues, and ensuring cigarettes are extinguished correctly. Lighting campfires or bonfires is also strongly discouraged to prevent further incidents and protect the natural landscape.
