Electricity substation fire in Oxted disrupts road and affects railway

A fire broke out at an electricity substation on Caterfield Lane in Oxted, Surrey, on the afternoon of Monday 21 September 2026. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service was called at 4.30pm and two fire engines attended. The fire produced black smoke visible from a distance, and the fire service advised nearby residents to close windows and doors. The fire service said the incident had some impact on the railway and advised people to check their journeys before travelling. Firefighters remained at the scene into the evening, with two engines still present at 11pm. Crews left the scene at 8.10am the following day, handing the incident over to UK Power Networks and Southern Rail. Caterfield Lane remained closed in both directions between Red Lane and Park Road for emergency repairs into Tuesday morning, with drivers advised to use alternative routes.

Not reported.

1. Substation fires can affect adjacent critical infrastructure such as rail networks, so response plans should assume a multi-agency handover to network and rail operators.
2. Early public advice on smoke hazards, including closing windows and doors, helps protect nearby communities during electrical fires.
3. Prolonged fire service attendance and follow-on emergency repairs mean road and traffic management arrangements should be considered in substation emergency planning.

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