A major firefighting operation is continuing in the New Forest after a vehicle caught fire on the A31 near Ringwood and the flames spread into surrounding heathland, closing the road in both directions and sending a large plume of smoke across southern Hampshire and the Solent.
The incident began shortly after 5:20pm on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service received more than 160 emergency calls about the initial vehicle fire on the eastbound A31. Flames spread to the central reservation before reaching nearby heathland, turning a roadside emergency into a significant countryside fire.
By Monday, August 10, firefighters remained at the scene and said crews would be there for the “foreseeable future”. The A31 remained closed between Ringwood and the M27, causing disruption for motorists travelling through Hampshire and towards Dorset.
26 fire engines sent as flames spread into heathland
The response involved 26 fire engines, four water carriers, six specialist off-road vehicles and several command vehicles. Crews worked through the night as they attempted to bring the fire under control.
Specialist off-road vehicles are particularly useful once a fire moves away from the carriageway and into difficult heathland terrain where conventional fire engines may have limited access.
The fire produced a smoke plume visible for miles, including from Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Smoke also drifted across both sides of the Solent, prompting advice for affected residents to keep doors and windows closed.
A31 remains closed between Ringwood and the M27
The A31 remained closed in both directions between the A338 at Ringwood and junction 2 of the M27 at Ower. Motorists have been urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes.
Westbound traffic has been diverted towards the A326, Ashurst Bridge and the A338 before reaching the Ashley Heath roundabout to rejoin the A31. Eastbound traffic has been diverted onto the A338 towards Bournemouth.
Some drivers had to leave their vehicles during the initial emergency. Police advised those motorists to call 101 with their registration details so arrangements could be made to retrieve their vehicles.
Water being pumped from Hightown Lake
Supplying enough water has been one of the challenges facing crews. Firefighters planned to use a high-volume pump to draw water from Hightown Lake, east of Ringwood, requiring a substantial length of hose between the lake and the fire.
Some hoses may cross tracks or private property. Residents whose properties are affected are expected to be contacted directly, while people have been warned not to drive over the hoses because damage could interrupt the water supply.
Residents can follow operational information from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
Are homes being evacuated?
No evacuation of nearby properties was required in the latest information available on Monday morning. Fire officials said households would be contacted directly if the situation changed.
Residents should stay away from areas where emergency crews are operating and keep windows and doors closed if smoke is affecting their neighbourhood.
Hot and dry weather adds to fire concerns
The incident comes amid another spell of hot, dry summer weather. The Fire Severity Index indicated that wildfires, if they started, could become exceptionally severe across much of eastern and south-eastern England. “Exceptional” is the highest category on the index.
The index assesses potential fire severity using factors including rainfall, temperature and humidity; it does not predict whether a wildfire will start.
Temperatures were expected to climb further during the week, potentially reaching around 36C in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday. The conditions follow repeated heatwaves and an exceptionally dry summer, adding to concerns about vegetation fires. The broader impact of extreme UK heat on infrastructure and essential services has also become increasingly relevant during prolonged hot spells.
Read More
Why the New Forest location matters
The New Forest contains woodland, heathland and wetlands supporting ponies, deer, rare birds, reptiles, insects and other wildlife. The environmental impact of this fire cannot yet be determined while the emergency operation remains active.
The blaze also comes during a period when UK weather conditions and extreme summer heat are affecting travel and increasing concern about countryside fire conditions.
Firefighters also dealt with a separate fire near Hale Purlieu in the New Forest, where crews damped down hotspots and monitored the area. It was a different incident from the A31 blaze.
Separate Holbury fire damages two homes
Crews were also called to an unrelated fire involving two bungalows on Rollestone Road in Holbury. An aerial platform was used to attack the fire, and both properties suffered significant damage, including roof collapses. A joint fire and police investigation was planned to establish the cause.
What drivers need to know
There was no confirmed reopening time for the A31 in the latest information available. Drivers should continue using designated diversions, allow extra travel time and check official traffic information before starting their journey.
Even after visible flames are suppressed, firefighters may need to remain on heathland to tackle hotspots and smouldering vegetation that could reignite. That helps explain why crews expect to maintain a presence at the New Forest fire for the foreseeable future.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
