The major New Forest fire in Hampshire continues to affect the area today, with firefighters still working across a large stretch of heathland and the closure of a key section of the A31 creating disruption for motorists.
The wildfire began on the evening of Sunday, August 9, when a vehicle caught fire on the A31 near Ringwood. Flames spread from the roadside into the surrounding dry vegetation, quickly developing into a much larger heathland fire. The blaze has since spread across more than 100 hectares, with firefighting operations continuing for days.
More than 120 firefighters have been involved at various stages, with crews from Hampshire working alongside colleagues from neighbouring fire services. The difficult terrain has made the operation particularly challenging. Firefighters have been using off-road vehicles, drones and long-distance water supplies to reach areas that are difficult to access from conventional roads.
The scale of the fire has also left a significant mark on the landscape. Large areas of heathland have been damaged, with concerns extending beyond the immediate firefighting operation because the New Forest supports rare plants, birds, reptiles and other wildlife.
One of the most immediate problems for the public remains the A31 closure.
The major route is closed in both directions around Ringwood as firefighters continue working in the area and engineers prepare to assess and repair damage caused by the fire. National Highways has said the road is unlikely to reopen before Thursday, August 20, meaning motorists face several more days of disruption.
The closures affect westbound traffic between the M27 junction 2 and the A338 at Ringwood, while the eastbound carriageway is closed between the A338 and M27 junction 1. Drivers have been advised not to rely on satellite-navigation systems to find alternative routes and instead follow official diversion signs.
The knock-on effect has been substantial, with heavier traffic using smaller surrounding roads. Authorities have warned motorists to take care because of congestion, wildlife and the possibility of smoke in parts of the area.
Smoke has also been noticed well beyond the immediate fire ground. Residents in parts of Hampshire have reported smelling burning and seeing smoke, although the direction and strength of the smoke have varied with the wind.
There has been no reported mass evacuation associated with the blaze, but the continuing fire activity has prompted strong advice for members of the public to stay away from the affected areas. The New Forest is under heightened wildfire risk following prolonged hot and dry conditions, and authorities are urging visitors not to light fires or use barbecues on the open Forest. Such activities are prohibited under local protection rules.
The current emergency is not the first significant New Forest wildfire of the summer. A separate fire near Ashurst and Deerleap Inclosure in July spread across about 10 hectares and required more than 60 firefighters at its height. Firefighters later found several discarded disposable barbecues in the area.
For people planning to travel through Hampshire, the A31 closure is likely to remain the biggest practical consequence of the current fire. Motorists heading toward Bournemouth, Ringwood and surrounding areas should allow substantially more time and follow the official diversion routes.
Fire crews are expected to remain in the New Forest while they continue securing the fire ground and dealing with hotspots.
Although the worst flames may no longer be visible from many areas, the danger has not disappeared. Dry vegetation and deep-burning peat can allow fires to persist beneath the surface, meaning crews must continue monitoring the ground even after visible flames have been brought under control.
The situation remains a major challenge for emergency services and a significant disruption for Hampshire residents and travellers.
The New Forest wildfire that began after a vehicle fire on the A31 near Ringwood continues to affect Hampshire today. More than 100 hectares of heathland have been damaged, the A31 remains closed in both directions and National Highways expects the road to remain shut until at least August 20. Firefighters continue working while motorists are urged to avoid the area, follow diversions and remain alert to smoke and changing road conditions.