New Forest heathland fire contained after A31 vehicle blaze

Firefighters are working to contain a significant heathland fire in the New Forest National Park that began on Sunday evening after a vehicle blaze on the A31 spread to the internationally protected landscape. The incident, which started near Ringwood, Hampshire, has prompted major road closures and drawn a large emergency response, with crews expected to remain on site for several days.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service reported receiving more than 160 emergency calls about a vehicle on fire on the eastbound A31 at approximately 5:24 p.m. on Sunday, August 9. Flames from the initial vehicle fire spread to the central reservation before advancing into the adjacent heathland. The area is part of the New Forest National Park, which contains the highest concentration of lowland heathland in western Europe. According to the New Forest National Park Authority, this habitat is globally rarer than rainforest and is home to all six of the UK's native reptile species, as well as Dartford warblers, nightjars, and various insects.

The initial response involved 26 fire engines, four water carriers, and multiple specialist off-road units from Hampshire and Isle of Wight...