VAN FIRE FORCES A31 CLOSURES IN NEW FOREST, HAMPSHIRE

A vehicle fire on the A31 near Ringwood, Hampshire, sparked a heathland blaze in the New Forest on Sunday evening, forcing the closure of both carriageways. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service received over 160 emergency calls reporting the initial vehicle fire at approximately 5.24pm. Firefighters worked through the night in challenging conditions as flames spread south-easterly from the road towards Backley Bottom. The smoke plume was visible for miles and drifted across both sides of the Solent, prompting fire crews to urge residents to keep doors and windows shut.

A substantial response involving between 26 fire engines and 10 off-road specialist vehicles was deployed to the scene, alongside water carriers and command units. The fire service laid a large hose from Hightown Lake, east of Ringwood, to supply water to crews, with the pipe crossing tracks and private property in some areas. The A31 westbound remains closed between the M27 junction 2 (Ower) and the A338 (Ringwood), whilst the eastbound carriageway is closed between the A338 and M27 junction 1 (Cadnam). National Highways reported significant damage to the road surface and crash barrier following the fire and oil spillage from the burnt-out vehicle, with no estimated time for reopening given.

Motorists who abandoned their vehicles were advised to call 101 with their number plate details to arrange recovery. The fire service said crews were expected to remain on site for the foreseeable future. The New Forest is internationally protected heathland and home to wild ponies, deer, rare birds, reptiles and insects.