Firefighters described a massive wildfire that blazed through the A31 in the New Forest as "off the scale" and "very, very tiring." The incident, which started on the A31, saw fire crews working extensive shifts to bring the blaze under control.
Shaun Lincoln, a watch manager at Fordingbridge Fire Station with 21 years of experience, called it the largest fire he had attended in his career. "Adrenaline got us through," he stated, highlighting the intense physical and mental demands of the situation. He also cited the strong sense of community spirit as a crucial factor in helping firefighters persevere through the challenging conditions.
Matt O'Hare, a retained firefighter, explained the demanding schedule faced by many in his position. O'Hare described working "10-to-12-hour shifts on the A31, then coming home early in the morning and working from 08:00 to 18:00 at my manufacturing job." Despite the exhaustion, he emphasized that "everyone does it because they love it." This dedication underscores the commitment of retained firefighters who balance their emergency response roles with their primary employment.
Lincoln added that the proximity to the New Forest made the incident particularly personal for the crews. "We live in the New Forest, it's quite personal to us, we wanted to get there and do our bit," he said, reflecting the deep connection firefighters feel to the area they serve and protect.
The scale of the wildfire was visually evident, with a massive smoke plume seen rising above the New Forest. 
