New Forest Heathland Blaze Prompts Major Fire Service Response
Van fire on A31 near Ringwood escalates into significant heathland incident, closing major road.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
A van fire on the A31 near Ringwood, Hampshire, escalated into a significant heathland blaze on Sunday.
The incident, which began shortly after 17:20 BST, led to the deployment of 26 fire crews, water carriers, and specialist off-road units.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service reportedly received more than 160 emergency calls reporting the fire at about 5:24pm on Sunday as the fire spread across the New Forest heathland.
The A31 remained closed in both directions between the M27 at junction 2 and the A338 at Ringwood.
Firefighters laid a large hose from Hightown Lake to ensure a continuous water supply for the extensive operation.
The fire is understood to have started in a lorry close to Picket Post services on the A31, according to a local resident.
Motorists who abandoned their vehicles were advised to contact 101 with their number plate details.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters continue to tackle the fire affecting heathland near the A31 and will remain on site for the foreseeable future.
We continue to have a significant presence in the area as crews work to bring the fire under control.
The service also stated, "We continue to have a significant presence in the area as crews work to bring the fire under control."
There is no current need for property evacuations, with the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service stating, "At present, there is no need for any properties to be evacuated. Should this situation change, affected households will be contacted directly."