A31 fire: Motorists urged to flee as New Forest wildfire erupts

A vehicle fire on the A31 has led to closures and warnings to flee as more than 20 fire engines tackle the blaze in the New Forest.

Brit Brief 09/08/2026 22:15

A31 fire: Motorists urged to flee as New Forest wildfire erupts

A vehicle fire on the A31 has caused chaos on the road as motorists were urged to flee their vehicles. More than 20 fire engines are tackling the flames after the blaze broke out on the road just after 5.24pm.

Multiple closures and public response

Members of the public made more than 160 calls reporting the fire on the eastbound carriageway. The road is closed in both directions. The westbound carriageway is closed between the M27 J2 (Ower) and the A338 (Ringwood). The eastbound carriageway is closed between the A338 and M27 J1 (Cadnam).