Major motorway closed due to huge fire causing travel chaos for drivers

Drivers have been told to avoid the area.

The M275 in remains closed in Portsmouth after a huge fire cloaked the motorway in clouds of smoke.

Roughly 40 firefighters had arrived at nearby TJ Waste site in Tipner yesterday morning, where flames consumed a unit containing 117 tonnes of domestic waste.

Drivers were told to avoid the area, and local residents were warned to keep windows and doors closed as smoke billowed across the area.

The burning waste materials have been described as ‘non-hazardous’.

The motorway was closed for safety reasons as firefighters tackled the flames.

At least one lane has since reopened.

Fire service teams remained on site today.

They are understood to have received support from a drone team supplied by Hampshire Search and Rescue.

In a statement, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue said: ‘The M275 will remain closed for the majority of the day.

‘The fire which began in the early hours of yesterday morning, July 6, 2024, in a large waste processing unit consisting of 2 floors, containing 117 tonnes of domestic waste material, was completely consumed by the fire.

‘A high volume pumping unit, with the assistance of high pressure jets, positive pressure ventilation systems and polybooms are being utilised.

‘Teams remain on site spreading the smouldering waste material and continue to monitor the incident.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.