A vehicle fire on the A31 in Hampshire has spread to nearby dry heathland, prompting a major emergency response. More than 20 fire engines are tackling the blaze, which broke out near Ringwood.
160 calls and large-scale response
Members of the public made more than 160 calls to emergency services as flames spread rapidly from the eastbound carriageway to the central reservation and then into heathland. The first reports came in at around 5.24pm on Sunday, and 26 fire engines, four water carriers, six off-road vehicles, and several command vehicles were dispatched.
The fire service said: "The fire spread from the vehicle to the central reservation before progressing into nearby heathland. Crews from across Hampshire, supported by colleagues from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, are currently attending the incident."
Road closures and diversions
The A31 is closed between Picket Post and junction two of the M27. Motorists have been urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes. The fire service added: "Please follow diversion signs, allow extra time for your journey and avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work safely."
Wildfires across the UK
This incident comes as several wildfires have broken out across the UK in recent weeks, including blazes at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, Headon Warren on the Isle of Wight, Llanwonno in the Rhondda Valleys, and the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service also declared a major incident on Sunday due to two large woodland fires.
Hot weather is building, with the south and south-east of England expected to see the highest temperatures. The Fire Severity Index indicates that wildfires are likely to be exceptionally severe in almost all of the east and south-east of England, with "exceptional" being its highest ranking. The index, based on Met Office data including rainfall, temperature, and humidity, assesses the severity of fires if they start, but does not cover the likelihood of them occurring.
Heatwave conditions are expected to return next week, with a high of 36C forecast in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday. The summer of 2026 has already seen two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, leading to more than 2,800 excess deaths, and two more heatwaves in July, which was the driest July in England and Wales since records began in 1836, fuelling drought and wildfires.
