Crews tackle heathland fire that spread from van

Firefighters worked through the night to contain a significant heathland fire in the New Forest that erupted after a van caught fire on the A31 near Ringwood, Hampshire. The blaze quickly spread, generating a large smoke plume visible for miles and forcing some motorists to abandon their vehicles.

Twenty-six fire crews, supported by water carriers and specialist off-road units, were deployed to the scene. The fire spread from the A31 into the adjacent heathland, causing smoke to drift across the Solent. Fire services advised residents to keep their doors and windows shut as a precaution. A large hose was laid from Hightown Lake to supply water to the firefighting efforts, with residents urged not to drive over it to prevent damage.

The A31 dual carriageway experienced closures in both directions. Westbound traffic was diverted onto the A326 and then the A338, while eastbound traffic was rerouted via the A338 towards Bournemouth. National Highways reported substantial damage to the road surface and crash barriers due to the fire and oil spillage from the burnt-out vehicle, with no estimated time for the road's reopening.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service confirmed receiving over 160 emergency calls reporting the initial vehicle fire. The New Forest is a protected area known for its diverse wildlife, including wild ponies, deer, rare birds, reptiles, and insects inhabiting its woodlands, heathlands, and wetlands.

New Forest Police advised motorists who had to leave their cars behind to contact 101 with their vehicle registration details to arrange for their retrieval.