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New Forest wildfire under control after A31 blaze
Published 09:21 11 Aug 2026 BST
Updated 07:40 11 Aug 2026 BST
Homenews
Wildfire tears through New Forest
A “devastating” New Forest wildfire is now under control, but firefighters say they will be working into the night and for several days to come. The blaze tore through protected heathland in Hampshire after a van caught fire on the A31 near Bratley Wood shortly after 17:20 BST on Sunday.
The fire forced motorists to abandon more than 20 vehicles, and National Highways said the A31 dual carriageway through the area would remain closed until further notice.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service urged the public to stay away, while the BBC reported that smoke drifting across both sides of the Solent prompted warnings for residents to keep doors and windows shut.
Why the New Forest fire matters
The New Forest National Park Authority warned the impact on the ecosystem and its rare species would be severe, echoing the alarm during a major wildfire on Suffolk heathland earlier this summer.
It’s rare heathland, which globally is more rare than rainforest. We have the highest concentration of lowland heathland.
Crews are expected to remain on the scene for days as they damp down the scorched ground and guard against flare-ups in the tinder-dry conditions.
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