New Forest vehicle fire spreads to heathland as crews fight blaze

BBC Published Aug 9, 2026 Reviewed Aug 9, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service reported that 26 fire engines were on the scene tackling the blaze on the A31 near Ringwood on Sunday evening.

26 · fire engines Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, service

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said it had received more than 160 emergency calls reporting the initial vehicle fire on the A31 eastbound at about 17:20 BST.

more than 160 · emergency calls Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, service

The A31 was closed in both directions between Picket Post and junction two of the M27.

Crews from across Hampshire, as well as from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, were at the scene of the vehicle fire on the A31.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, service

Alongside the fire engines, four water carriers, six off-road vehicles and multiple command vehicles were also in attendance at the scene.

4 · water carriers6 · off-road vehicles Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, service

Firefighters are tackling a vehicle fire which has closed a stretch of main road and spread into nearby heathland in the New Forest in Hampshire.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said 26 fire engines were on the scene tackling the blaze on the A31 near Ringwood on Sunday evening.

The service said the vehicle fire had spread into the central reservation, before progressing into nearby heathland.

The A31 has been closed in both directions between Picket Post and junction two of the M27, with motorists being advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes.

The fire service said it had received more than 160 emergency calls reporting the initial vehicle fire on the A31 eastbound at about 17:20 BST.

It said crews from across Hampshire, as well as from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, were at the scene.

Alongside the fire engines, four water carriers, six off-road vehicles and multiple command vehicles were also in attendance.

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