A wildfire that began with a van igniting on a road in Hampshire, England, continued to burn for a third day, devastating approximately 250 acres of protected New Forest heathland. The blaze forced motorists to abandon hundreds of vehicles on the A31, a major dual carriageway, and walk to safety as flames spread rapidly through dry vegetation.
Firefighters are engaged in a large-scale effort to contain the fire, which began Sunday afternoon. A change in wind direction has complicated containment efforts, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. At one point, 26 fire engines were deployed, with crews working to create access by unbolting the central reservation of the A31. More than 120 firefighters remain on site, supported by specialist vehicles and equipment, including a high-volume pump system to ensure a continuous water supply from a nearby lake.
Motorists described a chaotic scene as the fire spread from the A31 into the surrounding tinder-dry bracken. Drivers were urged by police to abandon their cars and walk miles to escape the spreading flames, with some vehicles left perilously close to the fire. The A31 has sustained significant damage and will require repairs before it can reopen. Hampshire Police are assisting with the recovery of abandoned vehicles, advising drivers to contact them with their registration details.
The affected area is designated as protected heathland and is ecologically significant, supporting rare species including all six native UK reptiles, Dartford warblers, and nightjars. The New Forest National Park Authority described the loss as "devastating," noting that globally, such heathland is rarer than rainforest.
This wildfire occurs during a period of exceptionally dry weather in England, with many areas under hosepipe bans and facing the prospect of further heatwaves. The Fire Severity Index had indicated an "exceptional" risk of wildfires in the region.
Locals and cabins near the fire were also evacuated as a precaution. Fire services have warned residents that hoses may need to be laid across private property to access water sources. The incident has drawn support from fire services across the country, highlighting the strain on resources during the current dry spell.