Neighbours say they reported a small fire at the Huntley’s metal scrapwork at around twelve thirty on Monday.
Fire appliances attended from as far as 17km away. Around 40 fire fighters from stations in Petersfield, Horndean, Emsworth and Cosham were on the scene.
The fire service says around three thousand tonnes of scrap metal was involved in the fire.
Photographs show at least five fire vehicles on site, including one which carried an aerial ladder from which water was sprayed.
There are no reports of injuries but people who have spoken to Huntley’s staff suggest a large and expensive piece of equipment at the site has been destroyed. We have not been able to independently verify this but will speak to the Huntley’s team when they have time.
The Fire and Rescue service says its teams worked closely with police. They advised local residents to keep windows and doors closed during the operation.
Travel disruption
Police closed the Causeway between Buriton roundabout and Mapledurham Lane in the early afternoon.
The road remained closed on Tuesday morning.
Train services south of Petersfield were also disrupted. South Western Railway says Network Rail closed the line through Buriton earlier but services resumed at 3.30pm. Lingering disruption on the railway until around 7pm on Monday night.
Living next door
Neighbour Clare Tidd has been speaking about the experience of living close to the site during today’s emergency. You can hear her interview with Shine Radio here.
The firefighter’s view
The view from above
Chris Gorman, The Big Ladder Photographer has taken these aerial images.
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