A697 closed following 'serious fire'
Last updated 20th Jul 2026
The A697 has been closed both ways just north of Wooler following what's being described as a "serious fire".
It's understood the grass at Milfield airfield in Northumberland has been found alight - causing smoke to cross the neighbouring road, restricting the views of drivers.
Emergency services have been alerted and the cross-border route - near the Scotland-England border - has been closed while fire crews make the scene safe.
One eyewitness said: "Just passed it, don't think it will take them long to put the fire out."
Another replied: "On the surface maybe, but the smouldering will be all underground with the heat and how dry the land is."
A third added: "Road is now closed."
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It comes as fire crews battle blazes at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh, and the Cairngorms, following a long period of dry weather.
A spokesperson for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters are currently in attendance at an incident near Milfield, after a call was received at 10.18am this morning. Three fire appliances remain at the scene.
"On arrival, crews found a large area of gorse bush and grass on fire. Firefighters are using specialist wildfire equipment to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further."
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A wild fire warning was issued ahead of the weekend prompting the banning of barbecues at Kelso Civic Week's annual ride to Yetholm, while the bonfire and fireworks display normally staged on Caerlee Hill in Innerleithen, as part of the town's festival week, were moved to ground level as a precaution.
Milfield Airfield is the site of what was once known as RAF Milfield, a Second World War fighter training station. Today it is home to the Borders Gliding Club.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "We are on scene to support with the traffic management as there’s a diversion in place."
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