Traffic is held on the M1 southbound between Hucknall and Nottingham as at least three fire engines and thick smoke can be seen
A large field fire has erupted next to one of the UK’s busiest motorways, bringing traffic to a halt.
The incident was reported around 6.45pm today, with the M1 in Nottinghamshire being closed southbound. The closure is located between junction 28 at Alfreton and junction 26 at Nottingham.
Motorists have been told to plan ahead as thick smoke can be seen taking over the motorway, with at least three fire engines in attendance. A diversion route has been put in place.
National Highways said: “The M1 in Nottinghamshire is closed southbound between J28 (Alfreton) and J26 (Nottingham) due to a fire in a field adjacent to the motorway. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service are working to extinguish the fire.
“National Highways Traffic Officers are providing assistance with traffic management on scene. If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.
“Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.” The agency described the blaze as “large” in a social media post.
Diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol:
- Exit the M1 southbound at J28
- Join the A38 westbound and continue for just under 6 miles towards Ripley
- At the A610 Hartshay Interchange at Ripley, turn left and take the A610
- Continue south-easterly around Ripley, through Codnor and continue onward to then re-join the M1 at J26
Traffic monitoring website Inrix added: “M1 Southbound blocked, stationary traffic due to serious fire and smoke blowing across the road from J28 A38 (Alfreton / Mansfield) to J26 A610 (Nottingham / Eastwood). Cameras show that there is a fire just off the motorway with smoke blowing across the road.
“Diversion – via the Hollow Square symbol via the A38 southbound into Ripley and along the A610 to Kimberley.”
The cause of the fire is not yet known. Multiple wildfires have started in recent weeks across the UK, including at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, Middlewick Ranges in Colchester and Cairngorms National Park in Scotland.
This comes amid extended periods of little precipitation, above-average temperatures and multiple heatwaves. Earlier this week, the Government announced half of England is now in drought.
The seven areas are East Anglia, Hertfordshire and the whole of London, Thames Valley, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Devon & Cornwall, the West Midlands and Wessex. The whole of Wales is also in drought.
