LIVE: Latest fire and rail updates across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex - Updated 21:16 - 16/08/26

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Click here for the latest LIVE: Latest rail and fire updates across the South - Updated: 17.08.2026 - V2 Radio

This page tracks the latest fire-service updates and incidents on the rails, providing essential advice to help people stay safe.

Latest information as of 21:16 on Sunday, 16 August:

West Sussex

Fire-service update: No new major active fire has been publicly listed by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Three Bridges, Horsham and Billingshurst railway closure: Engineering work is closing all lines between Three Bridges and Horsham throughout Sunday. Buses are replacing trains between Three Bridges and Horsham or Billingshurst.

Bognor Regis services are running only between Billingshurst and Bognor Regis. London Victoria to Portsmouth Harbour trains are operating to an amended timetable and are being diverted through Hove. Passengers should check their journeys and allow additional time.

London-end disruption affecting West Sussex services: Southern’s latest update was issued at 20:09.

Incidents between Selhurst and Streatham Common are blocking some lines and are expected to cause disruption until the end of Sunday. Southern services to and from London Victoria are being delayed by at least 30 minutes, while journeys between London and Brighton may take at least 60 minutes longer than usual.

A separate trespass incident between Balham and Streatham Common is blocking all lines and is expected to cause cancellations, alterations and delays of up to 30 minutes until 22:00. Passengers should travel earlier where possible, check before setting off and use approved alternative routes.

East Sussex

Fire-service update: No new major active fire has been publicly listed by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Lewes train derailment: The latest confirmed Southern update was issued at 16:39 on Sunday.

The railway between Lewes and Haywards Heath will remain closed until at least the end of Wednesday, 26 August, and the closure is likely to continue beyond that date while the major recovery operation, detailed assessments and repairs continue.

Replacement buses are running between Haywards Heath and Lewes, calling at Cooksbridge and Plumpton. There are no direct trains from London to Eastbourne or Hastings, and passengers should allow at least 60 additional minutes.

Passengers travelling from London can travel through Brighton or use the replacement bus between Haywards Heath and Lewes. Those heading to Eastbourne must also change at Polegate for another replacement bus.

British Transport Police’s latest confirmed statement was published at 13:09 on Friday, 14 August. This is not a new update.

BTP said more than 100 passengers were safely evacuated. Two people with serious but non-life-threatening injuries remained in hospital at the time of that statement, while another 18 people had been discharged.

BTP urgently wants to speak to anyone who was on board the train but has not yet spoken to officers. Passengers and other witnesses can call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference 521 of 13 August.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is investigating the derailment.

Polegate landslip: The latest confirmed Southern update was issued at 10:28 on Sunday.

A reduced service is operating between Polegate and Eastbourne until the end of Sunday because of the landslip and associated speed restrictions.

An hourly service is running between Brighton and Eastbourne, with another hourly service between Eastbourne and Ore. Replacement buses are operating between Polegate and Eastbourne, and passengers are advised to change at Polegate when travelling towards Eastbourne.

Oxted to Uckfield railway closure: The latest confirmed Southern update was issued at 14:28 on Sunday.

Urgent repairs to a track defect near Edenbridge Town mean no trains can run between Oxted and Uckfield until at least 08:00 on Tuesday, 18 August.

Hourly replacement buses are operating between Oxted and Crowborough and between Crowborough and Uckfield. The line will remain closed throughout Monday.

Passengers should allow at least 60 additional minutes and consider travelling through Tunbridge Wells or Edenbridge.

Hampshire

New Forest wildfire: The latest confirmed Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service update was issued at 22:00 on Saturday, 15 August. This is not a new update.

The wildfire beside the A31 is fully surrounded, but firefighters expect to maintain a significant presence for several days while they strengthen the wet line, damp down the affected land and extinguish hotspots.

Around 1.6 square kilometres have been affected. Since the fire began, 169 appliances from 93 fire stations have attended, with crews spending almost 10,000 hours dealing with the incident.

Pedestrians and cyclists must not enter the operational area, including Backley Enclosure, Soarley Beeches, Stirking Edge Wood, Bratley Wood and Sandy Ridge. Hotspots may not be visible from a distance.

The A31 remains closed westbound between M27 junction 2 at Ower and the A338 at Ringwood, and eastbound between the A338 and M27 junction 1 at Cadnam.

National Highways expects the closure to remain in place until at least Thursday, 20 August. Repairs include work on the carriageway, damaged barriers and around 1,000 metres of boundary fencing.

Drivers should follow official diversions, ignore satnav instructions and allow extra time. Residents should keep windows and doors closed if smoke affects their homes.

How to stay safe during the high fire risk

Do not light bonfires or campfires while conditions remain exceptionally dry.

Avoid using barbecues in the countryside, parks, woodland or other open spaces.

Make sure cigarettes and other smoking materials are fully extinguished.

Take bottles, glass and other litter home because sunlight passing through glass can start fires.

Do not park vehicles on dry grass because hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation.

If you encounter a wildfire, move to a safe location well away from the flames and smoke.

Call 999 immediately if you see a fire. Give a precise location, including an access point or what3words location if available.

Do not attempt to tackle a wildfire yourself.

Keep windows and doors closed if smoke is affecting your home.

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