A 14-hectare field fire near Sandy Lane in Guildford sent thick smoke over the town centre. Surrey Fire crews battled the blaze until Tuesday morning.
Large Fire Breaks Out in Guildford Near Town Centre
A major fire broke out Monday afternoon near Sandy Lane, Guildford, sending plumes of smoke across the town centre and scorching 14 hectares of land before being contained by Surrey Fire and Rescue crews.
Fire Response Initiated Within Minutes
Emergency services were alerted at 4:22 p.m. on July 14 following multiple reports of smoke and flames in open fields near Sandy Lane. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service deployed ten firefighting vehicles, including three fogging units and two Unimogs, designed specifically for tackling outdoor blazes.
Local Residents Advised to Stay Indoors
As thick smoke filled the area, residents were advised to close windows and doors due to potential air quality concerns. Many in central Guildford reported being able to smell smoke throughout the evening, and photos from the scene showed vast plumes above scorched terrain.
Fire Contained Overnight, Crews Stand Down
After working through the night to control and extinguish the fire, crews conducted a reinspection and officially left the scene at 7:46 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15. No injuries were reported, and no structures were threatened during the incident.
Cause of Fire Still Under Investigation
Officials have not yet confirmed what sparked the fire, but ongoing dry weather conditions in the region have elevated wildfire risk. The fire has raised further concern about fire safety in urban-adjacent green spaces during peak summer.
Public Safety Reminders Issued
In the aftermath of the blaze, Surrey Fire and Rescue is urging the public to remain vigilant in grassy and wooded areas. Local fire bans remain in effect across parts of the Lower Mainland to help prevent similar incidents during the dry season.
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