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A large-scale firefighting effort is ongoing to tackle a significant blaze that erupted on Sunday, impacting approximately one square kilometre (250 acres) of the New Forest national park in Hampshire. The fire originated when a van caught fire on the A31 near Bratley Wood, leading to the abandonment of over 20 vehicles as motorists were forced to evacuate the area.
Among those affected was Lindsey Legg, who was traveling with her husband and three children when authorities stopped them and instructed them to leave their car. She described the situation as “pretty scary,” highlighting that “women and children were walking with buggies” along the road as they evacuated. Due to the incident, National Highways confirmed that the A31 dual carriageway through the New Forest remains closed in both directions indefinitely.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service deployed more than 120 firefighters, who worked under demanding conditions to bring the fire under control. Forestry England confirmed that while the fire is contained, the operation to fully extinguish the flames is expected to continue for several days. To aid access, Forestry England has also shut nearby car parks.
The fire, which started from the van blaze, spread into Bratley Wood and adjacent areas. Aerial images displayed how the flames were driven southeast by the wind, and smoke drifted across both sides of the Solent. Fire crews have urged residents to keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke. A hose measuring 8km (5 miles) in length was laid from Hightown Lake to supply water to firefighting teams, crossing through several private properties where residents were asked not to drive over it to avoid damage.
The New Forest National Park Authority warned of the severe ecological damage caused by the fire, emphasizing the global rarity of heathland habitats, which are more uncommon than rainforests. The spokesperson noted the international protection of the forest, home to all six native UK reptile species, Dartford warblers, nightjars, and various insects, calling the event “devastating.” Meanwhile, National Highways reported substantial damage to the road surface and crash barriers from the fire and oil spillage, with no reopening date currently available for this key route to Dorset and southwest England
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