Overview

• Gorse vegetation alongside the M27 interchange ignited before 4pm, fueled by dry summer conditions.
• Fire and rescue units, supported by police and National Highways personnel, closed sections of the junction within minutes.
• Flames reached about 20 feet with thick black smoke visible from passing vehicles before being extinguished after two hours.
• Despite emergency crews’ efforts, motorists wove around paramedics, creating hazardous conditions on the motorway.
• Traffic signals remain offline at the interchange after reopening, extending disruption into the evening.