Overview
- A vehicle caught fire on the eastbound A31 and flames spread into the central reservation and adjacent New Forest heath, prompting a major emergency response after more than 160 calls were received on Sunday.
- Fire crews have battled the blaze across difficult terrain with more than 120 firefighters and up to 26 pumping appliances reported at the peak, and teams laid a high‑volume pump line from Hightown Lake to deliver water over long distances.
- The wildfire has burned roughly 1 square kilometre of protected New Forest heathland, and Forestry England estimates the damage at more than 100 hectares with ongoing hotspot work to prevent further spread.
- The A31 is closed both directions between the M27 and the A338 and will remain shut for at least 48 hours while National Highways inspects and repairs damaged tarmac, safety barriers and fencing.
- There are no reported casualties, but dozens of vehicles were abandoned on the carriageway, drivers are asked to contact police on 101 to arrange recoveries, and local residents have been urged to keep windows shut because smoke has drifted miles.