More than 40 firefighters tackling blaze involving 3,000 tonnes of scrap metal
Around 40 firefighters are on the scene of a large fire involving approximately 3,000 tonnes of scrap metal at a yard near Petersfield.
Crews from Petersfield, Horndean, Emsworth, Cosham, Havant and Liphook were first alerted to the incident on Greenway Lane in Buriton at around half 12 this afternoon.
Support vehicles including water carriers and the aerial ladder responded to assist with the incident.
The pile of scrap metal was well alight when HIWFRS arrived on scene.
Teams are working closely with police, who have enforced a road closure, and Network Rail, due to the proximity of the blaze to the trainline.
We ask that members of the public avoid the area and if you live nearby, keep your windows and doors closed.
UPDATE 3:30am (2 July)
Relief crews have arrived to take over from the firefighters who were first on the scene. They will work into the night, continuing to tackle the blaze.
Using onsite machinery, firefighters have been separating the metal to create fire breaks to limit the spread of the blaze.
Please continue to avoid the area as road closures remain in place.
UPDATE 16:00 (2 July)
Firefighters have continued to tackle the fire throughout the day, making use of the aerial ladder platform to reach parts of the metal pile that are difficult to access.
Relief crews have been organised to take over from those firefighters on the scene.
We expect to maintain a presence at the scrapyard blaze in Buriton overnight and into tomorrow.
UPDATE 9:00 (3 July)
Firefighters have worked throughout yesterday and last night with the fire now contained.
The incident has now been scaled back with two fire engines remaining on the scene along with a couple of support vehicles.
Road closures are starting to be lifted with one lane now reopened.
Update 13:00 (3 July)
The stop message came in at 12:26 (3rd July) shortly before HIWFRS left the scene.
A reinspection will take place later this evening, where a fire crew will return to check the scene for any remaining hotspots.