A significant blaze has broken out near one of the busiest motorways in the United Kingdom, leading to a standstill in traffic flow.
The incident was first reported at approximately 6:45 PM today, resulting in the closure of the southbound lanes of the M1 in Nottinghamshire. The affected area spans between junction 28 at Alfreton and junction 26 at Nottingham.
Drivers have been cautioned to prepare for delays as thick smoke blankets the motorway, with three fire engines already on-site. An alternative route has been established to redirect traffic.
According to National Highways, the closure on the M1 in Nottinghamshire is due to a field fire adjacent to the motorway. The Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is actively working to contain the flames.
National Highways Traffic Officers are assisting with traffic control at the scene. Commuters are advised to allow extra time for their journeys if the closure affects their planned route.
The agency recommends proactive planning, suggesting drivers consider alternative routes or delay their travel plans. The fire has been described as “significant” in a social media update.
Diversions are in place, with traffic diverted to follow the designated hollow square diversion symbol. Inrix, a traffic monitoring website, reports that the southbound lanes of the M1 are blocked due to a serious fire, causing traffic to come to a stop from junction 28 A38 (Alfreton / Mansfield) to junction 26 A610 (Nottingham / Eastwood).
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Recent weeks have seen multiple wildfires across the UK, including incidents at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, Middlewick Ranges in Colchester, and Cairngorms National Park in Scotland.
These incidents occur amidst prolonged periods of limited rainfall, above-average temperatures, and recurring heatwaves. The Government recently declared half of England to be in a state of drought, affecting seven regions: East Anglia, Hertfordshire, London, Thames Valley, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Devon & Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex. Additionally, the entirety of Wales is also experiencing drought conditions.
