A field fire broke out alongside the M1 in Nottinghamshire on Sunday evening, bringing southbound traffic to a standstill. The incident was reported at around 6.45pm, closing the motorway between junction 28 near Alfreton and junction 26 near Nottingham. At least three fire engines were at the scene, with thick smoke visible across the carriageway.
Motorway closed
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." The agency added: "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 statement continued. The blaze was described as "large" in a social media post.
Diversion route
Diverted traffic is being sent via the hollow square diversion symbol. Motorists are advised to exit the M1 southbound at J28, join the A38 westbound for just under six miles towards Ripley, turn left at the A610 Hartshay Interchange and continue south-easterly around Ripley, through Codnor, before rejoining 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." It described the diversion as "via the Hollow Square symbol via the A38 southbound into Ripley and along the A610 to Kimberley."
Wildfire season
The cause of the fire is not yet known. It comes after multiple wildfires across the UK in recent weeks, including at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, Middlewick Ranges in Colchester and Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. These have occurred during a period of little precipitation, above-average temperatures and several heatwaves.
Earlier this week, the Government announced that half of England is now in drought. The affected areas are East Anglia, Hertfordshire and the whole of London, Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon and Cornwall, the West Midlands and Wessex. The whole of Wales is also in drought.
