Heath fire prompts warning to avoid town area

A fire has broken out over a large area of heathland near a town, prompting a warning to avoid the area.

More than 40 firefighters from Hampshire and Surrey are tackling the blaze across three hectares (seven acres) of land near Fleet.

The fire, off Norris Hill Road, started at about 10:20 BST, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said.

It added: "Members of the public are advised to avoid Fleet and nearby routes to allow emergency service vehicles clear access."

The service said firefighters with hose reels and beaters had managed to surround the blaze in gorse and grassland.

It said Norris Hill Road remained closed.

Hampshire heaths currently have a "high severity" fire risk, according to Natural England.

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