A rapidly spreading heathland fire in the New Forest has forced motorists to abandon their vehicles and flee on foot, with a police officer warning drivers to move to the central reservation 'if you want to stay alive'. The blaze, which began as an HGV fire on the A31, has closed the major road in both directions and is being tackled by dozens of fire engines.
Fire Spreads Rapidly on Bone-Dry Heathland
The incident unfolded on the evening of August 9, when a lorry fire near the Canadian War Memorial, approximately one mile northeast of Shobley, quickly latched onto the parched shrubs and grass along the roadside. Within minutes, flames were visible on both sides of the carriageway, generating thick smoke that could be seen for miles. Video footage from the scene shows motorists evacuating their vehicles as the fire closed in, with some drivers choosing to accelerate through the burning vegetation rather than risk being trapped.
Libbi Aldred, a 36-year-old motorist caught in the chaos, told the Daily Mail that the road was suddenly filled with smoke and flames. She described seeing a grandfather with his grandchildren in the car ahead of her, and observed vehicles in front of them driving straight through the blaze, with 'the flames were hitting' them. The fire service confirmed that no houses were evacuated overnight, but residents have been warned to stay alert in case the situation changes.
Emergency Response Underway
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has deployed a significant number of crews to the scene, with firefighters expected to remain on site for the foreseeable future. In a statement, the service said: 'Firefighters continue to tackle the fire affecting heathland near the A31 and will remain on site for the foreseeable future. We continue to have a significant presence in the area as crews work to bring the fire under control.'
The service also outlined plans to use a high-volume pump to draw water from Hightown Lake in Ringwood, with hoses potentially crossing private properties. 'In some locations, hoses may need to pass across or through private properties to reach the incident. Residents whose properties may be affected will be contacted directly by our crews, and we will work with them to minimise any disruption,' the statement added.
Road Closures and Diversions
National Highways confirmed the A31 remains closed in both directions between the M27 junction 2 at Ower and the A338 at Ringwood. Diversion routes have been put in place, and motorists are advised to avoid the area. While no significant delays were reported on approach roads as of the latest update, the closure is expected to cause disruption during peak travel times.
This incident is one of several wildfires affecting the UK amid a prolonged heatwave, with much of England experiencing drought conditions. A separate 'significant fire' was reported in Holbury, around 24 miles from the A31 scene, where bungalows and vehicles caught fire on Rollestone Road. The flames there spread from a hedgerow to two vehicles and two bungalows.
Heatwave Exacerbates Fire Risk
The UK is currently enduring its fifth heatwave of the season, with temperatures forecast to reach 36°C in London later this week. Health alerts have been issued, and firefighters across the country are on high alert for further incidents. The New Forest blaze serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by dry conditions, and authorities are urging the public to exercise caution in rural areas.
For the latest updates on the A31 closure and firefighting efforts, follow Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service on social media or check local news outlets.
