SCHOOLS and roads are closed this morning as firefighters continue to tackle a huge fire in Swinley Forest.

Edgbarrow School, Crowthorne Primary School and Wildmoor Heath Primary School are all shut, along with parts of Nine Mile Ride and other key routes. A total of 13 homes have been evacuated as a precaution but there are no plans at present for more evacuations.

There are reports of heavy traffic in Sandhurst, Bagshot Road, Ringmead, and the area surrounding the closures.

The Look Out Discovery Centre and Coral Reef Waterworld, both in Nine Mile Ride, are also closed today.

The cemetery and crematorium are open as normal, but access is from West Road.

Downshire Golf Complex is open but there are delays in the area.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said there are 11 fire appliances at the site this morning (Tuesday), down from 20 last night from places including London, Hampshire and Surrey.

The fire brigade said in a statement: "The woodland and brush undergrowth is exceptionally dry and fire crews have been working to contain the fire over an area of approximately 200 hectares (two square kilometres). Strong winds have fanned sparks and spread the flames very quickly, making the job of the crews much more difficult.

"Thirteen residential properties in the Brookers Row area were evacuated earlier as a precautionary measure but there are no current plans for any further evacuations. Local residents are advised to keep their windows closed in areas affected by smoke and all members of the public are asked to avoid the area for their safety." The fire brigade is expecting to be at the scene for at least another 24 hours.

Roads closed this morning are: Bracknell Road junction with Brookers Row Owlsmoor Road junction with Rackstraw Road Old Wokingham Road junction with Brookers Row Nine Mile Ride junction with Look Out Harmansworth roundabout junction with Mill Lane Foresters Way junction with Magdalene Road Old Wokingham Road junction with Nine Mile Ride Owlsmoor Road junction with Even Road Bracknell Road junction with Old Wokingham Road South Road Junction with Nine Mile Ride