Firefighters have worked through the night tackling a major heathland blaze in the New Forest after a lorry fire spread from the A31, forcing the road to remain closed in both directions. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said 10 fire engines and 10 off-road vehicles remain at the scene on Monday morning (10 August), with crews continuing to work in challenging conditions. The incident began shortly before 5.30pm on Sunday when a lorry caught fire on the A31 between Picket Post and Stoney Cross. Flames subsequently spread into the central reservation and surrounding heathland, prompting a huge emergency response involving 26 fire engines at the height of the incident. Smoke from the blaze was visible across large parts of Hampshire and from both sides of the Solent.
High-volume water system being laid across Ringwood
Firefighters are now laying a high-volume pump system across Ringwood to provide crews with a reliable supply of water. The rural location of the fire has made maintaining sufficient water supplies difficult. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: “The HVP system allows us to move large amounts of water over a longer distance, helping crews maintain a continuous supply while they work to bring the fire under control.” People in and around Ringwood are likely to see firefighters and equipment being used to establish the system. The public has been warned not to drive over fire hoses, as doing so could damage them and interrupt the water supply to crews on the fireground.
Smoke significantly reduced overnight
The huge plume of smoke that could be seen across Hampshire, Southampton and the Isle of Wight on Sunday has now significantly reduced. However, smoke remains visible around the immediate area and the smell of burning is continuing to linger in some communities. The fire service has advised anyone who smells smoke to first check that it is not coming from a separate fire nearby and to dial 999 if another blaze is discovered.
A31 remains closed
The A31 remains closed in both directions while emergency services continue operations. National Highways has not confirmed when the road will reopen, and motorists are being advised to avoid the area and follow diversion routes. Firefighters said on Monday morning: “Firefighters have worked through the night and continue to tackle the fire affecting heathland near the A31. “We will continue to have a significant presence in the area as crews work to bring the fire under control. “The A31 remains closed.” No evacuations of nearby properties have been reported and there have been no confirmed injuries.
The firefighting operation is continuing and further disruption is expected while crews work to fully bring the blaze under control.
