M3 traffic: Lorry carrying 'electrical waste' causes huge fire as drivers face 'large volumes of smoke'

Surrey Fire and Rescue were first dispatched to a lorry fire on the M3 eastbound near Farnborough at around 5.20am this morning.

Traffic officers from National Highways arrived shortly after to support the fire service and deal with the management of traffic.

The transport organisation reported that traffic was initially held while firefighters worked to tackle the blaze.

At first, the fire was being contained within the trailer, but soon reignited, placing traffic plans into chaos.

National Highways was planning to release traffic with lane closures before the fire started again, forcing them to introduce a full closure.

Roads Policing Units from Surrey Police arrived at the scene to assist with the response and help release traffic at around 7.20am.

Current plans will see vehicles stuck in traffic between J4 and J3 turned around and released via Junction 4.

Traffic maps suggest that the event is not expected to clear until around 11.45am, while normal conditions will not return until a similar time.

However, given the instability of the fire earlier this morning, it is possible that the estimate could change and traffic on the M3 could remain until the early afternoon.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are currently dealing with a fire involving a 15-metre trailer carrying mixed electrical waste on the northbound carriageway on the M3, which is fully closed currently.

"There is three pumps and a water carrier currently in attendance at the scene. The incident is located between Junctions 3 and 4 (Frimley and Lightwater).

"Crews are using specialist equipment, as lithium batteries are present among the waste within the trailer fire.

"The incident is producing large volumes of smoke and is expected to continue, with significant impact on the M3 motorway."

It called on drivers to avoid the area if possible, with the Service expecting delays throughout the morning.

National Highways has installed a diversion route to help motorists travelling in the direction of the M3 this morning during rush hour.

Road users are advised to follow the Solid Diamond diversion symbol on road signs

• Exit the M4 eastbound at J4 and take the first exit at the roundabout onto the A331 towards Reading/Wokingham
• Continue to the next roundabout (The Meadows) and take the 4th exit to join the A30/London Road towards Staines/Cameberley
• Remain on the A30 for approximately five miles to the roundabout with "Grove End" at Windlesham
• Take the third exit to join Grove End and then follow round to join the A322 south
• Remain on the A322 south to reach J3 of the M3 and continue your journey