Summary
Firefighters have worked since Sunday 9 August to tackle a fire affecting heathland near the A31 after a van caught fire on Sunday 9 August around 5.20pm and the blaze spread to the open countryside of the National Park.
The A31 remains closed. IT WILL REOPEN SAT 22 AUGUST (see below)
For the latest information about the fire and the emergency response visit:
A31 Closed Following Vehicle Fire – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service
For the latest information on road closures and diversion routes, please visit National Highways: National Highways – A31 travel alert and diversion information
See more about visiting responsibly and helping to control fires in the New Forest National Park.
_______________________________________________________________________
As information can change quickly during an incident please only use official channels for your latest updates and don’t share unverified details on social media.
_______________________________________________________________________
Live updates
Hampshire and IOW Fire and Rescue Service 23/08/2026 1pm
National Highways 22/08/2026 07:30am
The A31 in Hampshire has re-opened in both directions following a vehicle fire on Sunday 9 August, which then spread to nearby heathland.
A lane 1 closure remains in place on the westbound carriageway for the Fire and Rescue Service. This closure will provide an access and egress point for their new control point. A temporary 50mph speed limit is active on the westbound carriageway.
On the eastbound carriageway, narrower lanes and a 40mph speed limit will remain in place due to the temporary vehicle restraint system currently installed.
Permanent repairs are scheduled to take place in September.
More information regarding the re-opening of the A31 can be found via the link here – https://nationalhighways.co.uk/press/a31-to-reopen-following-completion-of-wildfire-repairs/
Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our travel apps, or via our regional X feed.
Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.
National Highways 21/08/2026 17:50pm
The A31 will reopen to motorists tomorrow (Saturday) morning following completion of repairs by National Highways.
Resurfacing of the carriageway has been completed, 800 metres of new safety barriers installed and 1,500 metres of boundary fencing replaced.
Kat Saradinova, National Highways’ Head of Scheme Delivery, said: “With the fire raging for over a week, the repairs required were substantial and the conditions challenging.
“Our work to replace the damaged fencing to stop animals getting on to the A31 has been essential for the safe opening of the road. The New Forest is home to thousands of free-roaming animals, and a collision would put road users as well as livestock at risk.”
Temporary protection remains around parapets and safety barriers that were damaged by the fire, and a 40mph speed limit will be in place on the eastbound carriageway. Permanent repairs will be carried out at a later date under overnight closures.
In addition, Lane 1 will remain closed on the westbound carriageway with a 50mph speed limit to allow fire services to safely exit their compound during their continued presence on site. Lay-bys currently remain closed.
Forestry England 20/08/2026 2pm
https://www.forestryengland.uk/…/forestry-england…Hampshire and IOW Fire and Rescue Service 20/08/2026 12pm
Please continue playing your part in helping us to prevent wildfires.
No BBQs
Don’t drop cigarettes
Take litter homeNo campfires https://bit.ly/ReduceWildfireRiskHampshire and IOW Fire and Rescue Service 20/08/2026 11am
National Highways 19/08/2026 5.50pm
National Highways making progress on A31 wildfire repairs
Resurfacing of the carriageway has been completed, new safety barriers installed, and we’re making good progress replacing the boundary fencing.
These measures are essential for safety reasons to deter animals from entering the road.
With the fire raging for over a week, we have found a lot more damage since our initial assessments and the repairs required are now more substantial.
Nearly 1,500 metres of fencing needs replacing before the road can safely reopen.
As a result, we now expect work will continue into the weekend.
We appreciate the inconvenience this will cause. The conditions are challenging, and we are working with the fire service, Forestry England and others as we co-ordinate efforts.
As part of our work on site, temporary protection has been put around parapets which were damaged by the fire and will remain there until we get the bespoke parts needed. This means we expect the road will reopen with a reduced speed limit. Permanent repairs will be carried out at a later date.
In hot weather, it is especially important to check your vehicle before travelling.
National Highways’ T.R.I.P. campaign encourages drivers to remember four simple steps to prepare for journeys on motorways and major A roads during busy periods:
- Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash
- Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid driver fatigue
- Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread
- Prepare: Have a plan for severe weather conditions
If this closure impacts on your planned route drivers are asked to:
- Allow extra time for your journey
- Make sure you have enough fuel to complete your journey
- Make sure you have extra water and essential medicines with you
Further information on driving in extreme heat can be found on our website.
Further information on the fire is available on the Travel Alerts section of our website and on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIOW) website.
Forestry England 19/08/2026 5pm
Forestry England 18/8/26 1.30pm
The fire service have confirmed that the heathland fire is no longer a major incident but their teams remain on site checking for hot spots and ensuring the area is safe.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our huge thanks and gratitude to every member of the fire service, from the local area and beyond, for their incredible work to protect the New Forest especially in such tough conditions and over so many days. We remain grateful to the fire teams who continue to be on site.
Thanks also go to all of our staff who have worked tirelessly over the last week to support the emergency services at the scene by cutting fire breaks and mulching vegetation to help prevent the fire from spreading. We would also like to recognise our teams, and all of our partners who have supported them, who have also been working around the clock to manage other incidents and support public safety across the forest.
The fire has damaged a huge area of heathland and it will take many years for it to fully recover. Our staff are now working on assessing the impact of the fire on the landscape and how we can support its recovery. Where possible we will also be carrying out wildlife rescues with specialist teams .
Please continue to avoid the affected area whilst the fire service are still making the area safe and we are carrying out this essential work.
We will provide further information regarding the re-opening of our affected car parks and cycle routes as soon as it is safe to do so.
Hampshire and IOW Fire and Rescue Service 15/8/2026 11pm
We still have a significant presence at this incident, as we enter our seventh night of tackling the New Forest wildfire. The focus remains on locating and extinguishing hot spots so they don’t reignite into fires. Firefighters have also spent the day creating a ‘wet line’ around the incident ground. This creates a damp barrier that helps to prevent the fire spreading.
Read the latest – https://bit.ly/4wP3mZZ
Hampshire and IOW Fire and Rescue Service 15/8/2026 12.15pm
We’ve received reports that members of the public are accessing the site where our crews are working to extinguish the wildfire. The area highlighted in this map is still part of our operational response zone. Pedestrians and cyclists are asked to please avoid the area, as hotspots are not always visible from afar.
Accessing an active fire ground puts people at risk, impacts our firefighting operations, risks damage to the critical equipment we have on site, and could therefore cause further delays to this lengthy incident. Please avoid the area until the incident is finished and we have left the site.
Hampshire County Council 15/8/2026 midday
If you’re heading out and about this weekend, remember that emergency services are continuing to respond to the fire in the New Forest. Now, while the fire is fully surrounded, firefighters will remain on scene for a number of days to damp down and extinguish hotspots. The A31 will remain closed at this location until at least Thursday 20 August – please continue to follow the designated diversion for this route.
New Forest National Park Authority 15/8/2026 10am
The New Forest is open and here to welcome you this weekend.
Here are our top tips:
While diversions are in place in the area around the A31 heathland fire you could leave the car at home and opt for local buses, take the train to any of the rail stations in and around the National Park (Ashurst, Brockenhurst, Sway, Lymington, New Milton, Hinton Admiral) or try The New Forest Tour.
Download the New Forest Walks app for all the best walking and cycle routes.
Check out events across the National Park.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service 14/8/2026 midday
We continue to have a large presence at the wildfire in the New Forest this morning with firefighters from across Hampshire and crews from other services working together to tackle this ongoing incident.
Our firefighters are working in hot and arduous conditions and our Control Room teams are working to rotate crews to ensure they all receive time to rest and recover away from the incident ground.
Firefighters are focusing their efforts around the perimeter of the fire, which remains approximately 1.6sqkm in size. This area has been divided into three sectors, with firefighters working in each to tackle flare-ups.
The wind continues to be a challenge with smoke drifting throughout the area, so if residents are affected we advise them to close doors and windows.
We appreciate the support and patience of local residents who have been impacted by the specialist hose delivering water to the scene from Highwood Lakes.
We thank everyone for their patience while the A31 remains closed, the closure is needed to ensure fire crews and other responders can access the scene safely. We ask that you continue to follow the latest National Highways diversion route guidance.
Our crews have been battling this fire since Sunday, working incredibly hard in the blistering heat and with another hot weekend on the horizon, we ask that you all do your bit to help prevent outdoor fires in the countryside, but also in our towns and cities.
We understand everyone’s concerns for the Forest’s animals because of the wildfire near Ringwood and this sustained period of hot weather, however, please leave them alone.
The ponies are well adapted to the Forest, and the older mares have a good knowledge of water and food sources and will lead the herds to the right spots.
Petting and feeding of New Forest ponies and donkeys is not allowed and can lead to a fine.
We are also facing an ongoing spread of equine flu, so anything that encourages ponies to congregate, such as leaving out food and water is highly discouraged.
The Agisters and Commoners are out regularly checking on the welfare of the livestock. If you see an injured, unwell, or distressed pony, cow or donkey please contact the Verderers of the New Forest office.
Significant repairs are needed to the road surface, safety barrier, bridge parapets and boundary fencing.
Repairs can only begin once Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIOW) confirms it’s safe to access the road. In the meantime, we currently anticipate it will remain closed until at least Thursday, August 20.
Smoke, heat, ash and the fire’s ongoing movement mean safe access isn’t yet possible.
We have crews on standby ready for when access is granted, and we will be working round the clock to fully open the road as soon as possible.
Until then, drivers should follow the official local diversion route rather than satnav directions, keep to local speed limits and watch for livestock roaming freely in the New Forest.
Since carrying out our assessments, we’ve sourced around 1,000 metres of replacement boundary fencing, stored nearby and ready to install.
These protections are essential for safety reasons to stop animals from entering the road.
We’ll also repair a substantial amount of safety barrier across five locations.
Temporary protection will be put around the parapets which were damaged by the fire, meaning the road will reopen with narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit in each direction.
Permanent repairs will be carried out at a later date.
In hot weather, it is especially important to check your vehicle before travelling.
National Highways’ T.R.I.P. campaign encourages drivers to remember four simple steps to prepare for journeys on motorways and major A roads during busy periods:
• Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash
• Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid driver fatigue
• Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread
• Prepare: Have a plan for severe weather conditions
If this closure impacts on your planned route drivers are asked to:
• Allow extra time for your journey
• Make sure you have enough fuel to complete your journey
• Make sure you have extra water and essential medicines with you
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service 13/08/2026 7.30am
Drivers are urged to take it slow along Roger Penny Way in the New Forest this morning due to smoke related to the wildfire next to the A31.
New Forest National Park 12/08/2026 5.30pm
Call for New Forest campsites to ban open flames – New Forest National Park
National Highways update 12/08/2026 5.15pm
Significant repairs are needed to the road surface, safety barrier, bridge parapets and boundary fencing.
Repairs can only begin once Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIOW) confirms it’s safe to access the road. This is not expected to be the case until Friday at the earliest.
Smoke, heat, ash and the fire’s ongoing movement mean safe access isn’t yet possible.
We have crews on standby ready for when access is granted, and we will be working round the clock to fully open the road as soon as possible.
Until then, drivers should follow the official local diversion route rather than satnav directions, keep to local speed limits and watch for livestock roaming freely in the New Forest.
Since carrying out our assessments, we’ve sourced around 1,000 metres of replacement boundary fencing, stored nearby and ready to install.
These protections are essential for safety reasons to stop animals from entering the road.
We’ll also repair a substantial amount of safety barrier across five locations.
Once we have access, repairs including resurfacing are likely to take at least 24 hours before the road can reopen safely.
Temporary protection will be put around the parapets which were damaged by the fire, meaning the road will reopen with narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit in each direction.
Permanent repairs will be carried out at a later date.
In hot weather, it is especially important to check your vehicle before travelling.
National Highways’ T.R.I.P. campaign encourages drivers to remember four simple steps to prepare for journeys on motorways and major A roads during busy periods:
• Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash
• Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid driver fatigue
• Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread
• Prepare: Have a plan for severe weather conditions
If this closure impacts on your planned route drivers are asked to:
• Allow extra time for your journey
• Make sure you have enough fuel to complete your journey
• Make sure you have extra water and essential medicines with you
Further information on driving in extreme heat can be found on our website.
Further information on the fire is available on the Travel Alerts section of our website and on HIOW’s website.
National Highways update 12/08/2026 2.30pm
National Highways has assessed fire damage to the A31 in Hampshire.
Significant repairs are needed to the road surface, safety barrier, bridge parapets and boundary fencing.
Repairs can only begin once Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIOW) confirms it’s safe to access the road. This is not expected to be the case until Friday at the earliest.
Smoke, heat, ash and the fire’s ongoing movement mean safe access isn’t yet possible.
We have crews on standby ready for when access is granted, and we will be working round the clock to fully open the road as soon as possible.
Until then, drivers should follow the official local diversion route rather than satnav directions, keep to local speed limits and watch for livestock roaming freely in the New Forest.
Since carrying out our assessments, we’ve sourced around 1,000 metres of replacement boundary fencing, stored nearby and ready to install.
These protections are essential for safety reasons to stop animals from entering the road. We’ll also repair a substantial amount of safety barrier across five locations.
Once we have access, repairs are likely to take at least 24 hours before the road can reopen safely.
Temporary protection will be put around the parapets which were damaged by the fire, meaning the road will reopen with narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit in each direction.
Permanent repairs will be carried out at a later date.
In hot weather, it is especially important to check your vehicle before travelling.
National Highways’ T.R.I.P. campaign encourages drivers to remember four simple steps to prepare for journeys on motorways and major A roads during busy periods:
- Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash
- Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid driver fatigue
- Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread
- Prepare: Have a plan for severe weather conditions
If this closure impacts on your planned route drivers are asked to:
- Allow extra time for your journey
- Make sure you have enough fuel to complete your journey
- Make sure you have extra water and essential medicines with you
Further information on driving in extreme heat can be found on our website.
Further information on the fire is available on the Travel Alerts section of our website and on HIOW’s website.
Forestry England – New Forest Fire Update – 12/8/26 11.15 am
The fire service continue to manage the main heathland fire and we continue to ask people to avoid the affected areas.
Information regarding any of our car parks affected by closures due to the fire can be found here – New Forest | Forestry England
Yesterday our team attended two small additional fires on the Forest caused by abandoned campfires. Our rangers also attended an incident this morning where the use of a BBQ on the Forest had started a fire.
At a time of high wildfire alert these actions are extremely dangerous and we would like to remind everyone visiting the New Forest that BBQs, campfires and the use of any outdoor cooking equipment are banned across the whole area.
Given the current level of wildfire risk, from today this also includes all of the 10 Forestry England campsites where the use BBQs and outdoor cooking equipment are currently not permitted. Campers will receive information and guidance relating to this on site.
We are asking everyone visiting to please help look after the area by taking some simple actions…
- Do not use BBQs, campfires, stoves, any outdoor camping equipment or naked flames
- Safely discard cigarettes
- If you see a fire, get to a place of safety and call 999. If you can provide an exact location by using What 3 Words.
Thank you for everyone’s ongoing support during this time.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service 12/8/26 7am
Firefighters have worked throughout the night with a focus on containing the fire and managing hotspots and flareups. Challenging terrain and limited access to the remote location continue to make firefighting operations difficult, and the high temperatures forecast for today are expected to add to those challenges.
With the current warm and dry conditions continuing, we urge anyone enjoying the countryside to take extra care. You can help reduce the risk of fires by avoiding the use of disposable barbecues, not lighting campfires, and ensuring cigarettes are fully extinguished and disposed of responsibly.
Road closures remain in place while emergency services continue to respond to this complex and ongoing incident.
Forestry England update – New Forest Fire – 11/8/26 6pm
In response to a request from emergency response partners supporting the ongoing heathland fire in the New Forest, the Highways Authority will implement a number of additional road closures from 6pm this evening.
These will include the Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive in Brockenhurst from the junction with the A35, and the Bolderwood Road west of Emery Down where the road will be closed from the Junction with the New Forest Inn.
As a result, all of our car parks along these routes will also be closed, in addition to those close to the incident which will remain shut for the foreseeable future.
Arrangements will be made for residents, commoners and other key individuals requiring emergency access.
The full list of Forestry England car park closures relating to the fire are – Bratley View, Canadian Memorial, Bolderwood, Knightwood Oak, James Hill, Millyford Bridge, Highland Water, Barrow Moor, Woosons, The Old Reptiliary (formerly the Reptile Centre). Updates on all car park closures can be found on our website – Where we are working | Forestry England
Please continue to avoid the affected areas while this active incident is ongoing.
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the fire service, emergency workers, volunteers, partners and our staff who are all supporting the New Forest throughout this difficult time.
Thank you to everyone for your support and patience during this ongoing incident.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service 11/8/2026 2pm
Forestry England 11/8/2026 12pm (midday)
The emergency services are continuing to deal with the fire and the area is still very much part of an active incident.
Our car parks at Bratley View, Canadian War Memorial and Bolderwood, plus the cycle network in these areas all remain closed. We are asking people to continue to avoid all affected areas.
With diversions and road closures in place, we would like to remind everyone driving through the Forest that animals can be close to or on the roads at any time of the day or night. Please drive with care and within the speed limit.
Our team remains on site to assist the emergency services and are continuing to cut additional fire breaks.
We understand how upsetting this incident is and the concern for wildlife. We would like to thank everyone who has kindly offered assistance and support. When it is safe to do so our team will assess the impact of the fire and work closely with local groups and the community to support wildlife and the wider recovery of the affected area.
Forestry England 11/8/2026 9am
We understand that there are concerns regarding the impact of the current fire on the ponies and other animals that graze on the New Forest. All of these animals are owned and looked after by Commoners who are being kept informed regarding the incident. The animals can roam freely across the Forest to unaffected areas.
Forestry England teams are on site supporting the fire service with access and, once the incident is over and it is safe to do so, will assess the impact of the fire. We will work closely with Commoners and other local groups to support affected areas and wildlife.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service 11/8/2026 6am
Crews have worked tirelessly throughout the night, a change in wind direction provided a challenge to the firefighting operations but thanks to the efforts of firefighters we are managing to contain the fire. We have been using a mix of fire engines and off-road vehicles to damp down and cool the edges of the area involved in the fire to prevent spread and escalation.
The police drone is being used to enable us to prioritise hot spot areas and manage flare ups.
Overnight we had a slightly reduced presence with seven fire engines on site plus water carriers, off road vehicles and support vehicles but are planning to increase this for a larger scale attack today.
We are maintaining water supply to the site through combination of water carriers and the High Volume Pump (HVP) system. We recognise that the hoses that have been laid as part of this system do in places go across access to homes in the area and we thank residents for their support and patience. The HVP allows us to move large amounts of water over a longer distance, helping crews maintain a continuous supply while they work to bring the fire under control.
The A31 remains closed in both directions while emergency services operate in the area. If you’re travelling through the area, please avoid the route where possible and follow the latest diversion information from National Highways.
National Highways 10/8/2026 9pm
The A31 in Hampshire remains closed until further notice in both directions between the M27 Junction 2 Ower and the A338 Ringwood following a van fire which spread to nearby heathland.
Latest updates:
Forestry England statement 10/8/26 5.30pm
‘The emergency services are continuing to manage the current fire in the New Forest.
‘Our team are supporting them by providing access, closing and patrolling car parks in the affected areas, and our tractor team are cutting new fire breaks to help prevent the fire from spreading further.
‘Once the incident is under control we will be able to begin the process of assessing the damage and will provide further updates.
‘Please do not visit the affected areas. Thank you for your support and patience during this time.’
2.30pm
New Forest National Park Authority statement
Motorists are reminded to take extra care on New Forest roads and be aware of roaming livestock.
The Forest roads are likely to be very busy at the moment with the peak summer visitor season and while diversions are in place from the A31.
Please allow yourself extra time to complete your journey, carry water in hot weather, and be prepared for animals to be on or near the roads at any time – they are also likely to be gathered in shady spots such as under bridges and trees.
New Forest livestock, such as ponies, donkeys and cattle are unpredictable. Pass wide and slow, be patient with animals and other drivers, and do not honk or rev your engines in an attempt to move them on.
2pm
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service statement
There are more than 120 firefighters on the scene battling the heat and arduous terrain, in order to prevent further fire spread.
We are monitoring the fire, which is affecting a 1sqkm area of heathland off of the A31, with police drones.
Currently, we have 10 fire engines and 13 off-road vehicles in attendance, and we plan to maintain this number of vehicles until at least midnight, although it is likely to be required for longer.
We are grateful for the support from our neighbouring fire services, as well as others from across the country who are working alongside our firefighters with specialist vehicles and equipment, to resolve this incident.
We know that the A31 is a crucial part of our road network, and in these summer months, many of you will want to go out to enjoy the New Forest, but we ask that you continue to avoid this area, with road closures still in place, whilst our teams work to save this part of our beautiful countryside.
11am
New Forest National Park Authority statement
Gillie Molland, Lead ranger for the New Forest National Park Authority said:
‘Globally heathland is more rare than rainforest and takes decades to develop – the New Forest has the most has the most extensive area of lowland heath remaining in Europe.
It’s home to many nationally and internationally rare species – including all six of the UK’s reptiles, insects, plants and birds such as Dartford warblers and nightjar.
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 with ancient trees, such as beech and oak, that have international importance for nature conservation. Heathland can eventually be restored, ancient trees are lost forever.
The loss of rare species and biodiversity is devastating and upsets the delicate ecological balance of the Forest , as well as reducing grazing land available for commoners’ animals.
Recovery is possible but it can take many years, with some features of mature heathland taking decades to return. Some rare heathland species may be lost or recover very slowly if local populations have been affected.
We are part of the Local Resilience Forum which prepares and tests different emergency scenarios.
Last month we took part in a multi-agency ‘table top’ exercise with the emergency services, councils, landowner Forestry England and voluntary services to practice and test our collective readiness in the event of a wildfire.
How people can help
Although this incident was caused by a vehicle fire we ask people to help support our Rangers:
- BBQs, fires and stoves are illegal in the open countryside and people can be fined – a Public Space Protection Order was introduced three years ago to protect the Forest
- Don’t drop litter, especially glass which can ignite fires
- Cigarettes should be completely extinguished.
We pass on our thanks and appreciation to all those working on the incident, including the emergency services and our colleagues in Forestry England for their bravery and dedication in protecting the National Park.
10am
Forestry England statement
Our team are supporting the emergency services in responding to a significant fire in the New Forest. The blaze was started yesterday evening following a vehicle fire on the nearby A31. The fire initially spread to Bratley Wood and has since extended to the surrounding area.
The fire service are in attendance and our current priority is supporting them and ensuring they have good access to the site.
We continue to ask the public to avoid the area and to leave gateways and gravel access tracks clear to allow the fire services and our staff to manage the incident. Bratley View, the Canadian Memorial and Bolderwood car parks are all closed and are likely to stay closed all week, to keep the area clear.
The fire is currently estimated as having affected over 100 hectares. Incidents like this can be devastating to all of the things that make the New Forest so special. Our team will be carefully assessing the impact once the incident is fully resolved.