Key Points
- A29 at Bury Hill, near Houghton in West Sussex, was shut down after a tractor fire took place on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
- WSFRS stated that they had been informed of a “large vehicle fire” at Bury Hill, Houghton, at 8.08am.
- Three fire engines were sent to the scene by Joint Fire Control.
- The firefighters put out the fire using the high-pressure hose reels while wearing their breathing apparatus.
- The traffic news reported the road closure in the area between The Street and Whiteways Lodge roundabout.
- WSFRS suggested that people stay away from the area.
- Injuries and casualties, along with information about the tractor’s driver, were not mentioned in the initial reports.
Bury Fire (Manchester Mirror) October 14, 2026 – The A29 was closed at Bury Hill after a tractor caught fire near Houghton, with West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service deploying three fire engines to deal with the blaze and urging motorists to avoid the area.
As reported by SussexExpress, WSFRS said it was called to a “large vehicle fire” at Bury Hill, Houghton, at 8.08am on Wednesday, October 14. The service said Joint Fire Control mobilised three fire engines after receiving the call.
A WSFRS spokesperson said: “Joint Fire Control mobilised three fire engines to the scene.”
The fire service said that, when crews arrived, they found a tractor “well alight”. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used high-pressure hose reels to extinguish the fire.
A WSFRS spokesperson said: “Upon arrival crews found a tractor well alight. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using high pressure hose reels.”
The service added: “People are being advised to avoid the area.”
Why is the A29 closed at Bury Hill?
The A29 was closed because emergency services responded to a tractor fire at Bury Hill, near Houghton. The incident led to a road closure while firefighters dealt with the vehicle fire and made the area safe.
According to SussexExpress, the road was reportedly closed between The Street and the Whiteways Lodge roundabout. The publication attributed the closure information to AA Traffic News.
The closure affected the section of the A29 at Bury Hill, a route used by local traffic and drivers travelling through the West Sussex countryside. Motorists were told to avoid the area while the emergency response continued.
What did West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service say?
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that it attended the incident after being called at 8.08am. The service described the fire as involving a large vehicle and said three fire engines were sent to the scene.
As reported by SussexExpress, WSFRS said firefighters found the tractor “well alight” upon arrival. Crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using high-pressure hose reels.
The fire service did not provide further details in the initial report about the cause of the fire, the extent of damage to the tractor, or whether anyone had been injured.
Which part of the A29 was affected?
The affected stretch was between The Street and the Whiteways Lodge roundabout at Bury Hill, according to AA Traffic News, as cited by SussexExpress.
The closure meant drivers could not use that section of the A29 while the incident was being dealt with. Motorists planning to travel through Bury Hill or towards Houghton were advised to seek alternative routes and avoid the area.
SussexExpress reported that the closure was in place on the morning of Wednesday, October 14, following the tractor fire.
What should motorists do?
Motorists were advised by WSFRS to avoid the area around Bury Hill while emergency crews responded to the fire.
Drivers who normally use the A29 between The Street and the Whiteways Lodge roundabout were advised to plan alternative routes. AA Traffic News was cited by SussexExpress as reporting the closure between those two points.
Motorists were also encouraged to check live traffic information before travelling, as road conditions and closure details can change while an incident is ongoing.
Was anyone injured in the tractor fire?
The available reports did not state that anyone was injured. Neither SussexExpress nor WSFRS provided information about injuries, casualties or the driver of the tractor in the initial coverage.
The fire service’s statement focused on the emergency response, the closure of the road and the advice for people to avoid the area. No further details about the circumstances of the fire were included in the reports available at the time.
Background of the development
Bury Hill is a section of the A29 near Houghton in West Sussex. The road connects local communities and carries traffic through the area, making disruptions on this stretch significant for drivers using the route during the morning travel period.
The incident was reported on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. SussexExpress published its initial report shortly before 8am, stating that WSFRS had been called at 8.08am and that the road was reportedly closed between The Street and the Whiteways Lodge roundabout.
The same story was also carried by WS County Times, which reported that the A29 was closed that morning due to a tractor fire. A related Sussex traffic update published by SussexExpress also confirmed that the A29 at Bury Hill was closed between The Street and the Whiteways Lodge roundabout because of the tractor fire, and repeated WSFRS’s advice for people to avoid the area.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is the fire and rescue authority for West Sussex. Its duties include firefighting, protecting people and property from fire, promoting fire safety and responding to road traffic collisions.
Prediction: How this may affect West Sussex motorists
The closure is likely to cause delays for drivers who regularly use the A29 through Bury Hill, particularly those travelling during the morning commute. Motorists between The Street and the Whiteways Lodge roundabout may need to allow extra journey time or use alternative routes while the road remains shut.
Local residents, school-run drivers, delivery drivers and people travelling to work in the Houghton and Bury areas could face disruption if the closure continues. The advice from WSFRS to avoid the area suggests that drivers should check traffic updates before setting out and follow any official diversion or emergency-service instructions.
If the road reopens quickly after the fire is extinguished, the impact may be limited to morning traffic. However, if recovery of the vehicle, investigation work or clear-up operations take longer, drivers could continue to experience delays on surrounding routes. Official live traffic information remains the most reliable way for motorists to check the latest position before travelling.
