New Forest wildfire incident.

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Cows stand on a dirt track in a field with thick smoke and fire in the background, indicating a wildfire nearby.
Cows stand on a dirt track in a field with thick smoke and fire in the background, indicating a wildfire nearby.

Firefighters worked through the night and continue to tackle a fire affecting heathland near the A31.

The fire started after a van caught fire at around 5.20pm on Sunday 9 August. The blaze then spread into the open countryside of the New Forest National Park.

The A31 remains closed while emergency services deal with the incident.

Gillie Molland, Lead Ranger for the New Forest National Park Authority, said:

“Globally, heathland is rarer than rainforest and takes decades to develop. The New Forest has the most extensive area of lowland heath remaining in Europe.

“It is home to many nationally and internationally rare species, including all six of the UK’s native reptiles, as well as rare insects, plants and birds such as Dartford warblers and nightjars.

“This particular area, including the central reservation of the dual carriageway, is a stronghold for smooth snakes.

“The New Forest also has important areas of pasture woodland containing ancient trees, including beech and oak, which are internationally important for nature conservation. Heathland can eventually be restored, but ancient trees are lost forever.

“The loss of rare species and biodiversity is devastating. It damages the Forest’s delicate ecological balance and reduces the amount of grazing land available for commoners’ animals.

“Recovery is possible, but it can take many years. Some features of mature heathland may take decades to return. Rare heathland species could be lost or recover very slowly if local populations have been affected.”

Preparing for wildfires
The New Forest National Park Authority is part of the Local Resilience Forum, which prepares for and tests a range of emergency scenarios.

Last month, the Authority took part in a multi-agency tabletop exercise with the emergency services, councils, landowner Forestry England and voluntary organisations. The exercise tested how these organisations would work together during a wildfire.

How people can help prevent fires
Although this incident was caused by a vehicle fire, people can help protect the New Forest by following this advice:

  • Do not use barbecues, fires or stoves in the open countryside. They are illegal and people can be fined. A Public Spaces Protection Order was introduced three years ago to help protect the Forest.
  • Do not drop litter, particularly glass, which can contribute to fires.
  • Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished and disposed of safely.
  • Advice for motorists
  • Drivers should take extra care on New Forest roads and look out for roaming livestock.

Roads in the Forest are likely to be particularly busy during the peak summer visitor season and while diversions from the A31 remain in place.

Please allow extra time for your journey, carry water during hot weather and be prepared for animals to be on or near the roads at any time. Animals may gather in shady places, including beneath bridges and trees.

New Forest livestock, including ponies, donkeys and cattle, can be unpredictable. Pass animals slowly and leave plenty of space. Be patient with animals and other drivers, and do not sound your horn or rev your engine to try to move animals.

The New Forest National Park Authority thanks everyone working to manage the incident, including the emergency services and colleagues at Forestry England, for their bravery and dedication in protecting the National Park.

Further information
For the latest information about the fire and the emergency response, visit the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service website and search for: A31 Closed Following Vehicle Fire

For the latest information about road closures and diversion routes, visit the National Highways website and search for: A31 travel alert and diversion information

For updates from the New Forest National Park Authority, visit the news section of our website, follow our WhatsApp channel or follow @newforestnpa on social media.