A lorry fire that spread to dry heathland along the A31 in the New Forest has forced drivers to abandon their vehicles, with some motorists driving through flames to escape. Dozens of fire engines and crews are tackling the blaze near the major road, which overwhelmed parts of the Hampshire beauty spot on the evening of August 9.
Blaze spreads rapidly
The fire began after an HGV caught fire, quickly igniting the bone-dry shrubs and grass on the verges. Dramatic footage shows motorists evacuating their cars as the fire spread on both sides of the busy road, with thick smoke visible for miles. A police officer was heard telling people to move to the central reservation 'if you want to stay alive.'
Motorists at the scene said the fire happened fast, and some drivers 'just went straight through the flames.' Libbi Aldred, 36, told the Daily Mail how the road was suddenly filled with smoke and flames, with cars in front of her putting on their hazard lights. She described a grandfather with grandchildren in his car who saw vehicles ahead go through the blaze, and 'the flames were hitting' them.
Fire service response
The initial fire started around a mile from the Canadian War Memorial northeast of Shobley. Houses in the area were not evacuated overnight, and the fire service said residents would be contacted directly if the situation changed.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire 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 added that it plans to use a high-volume pump to draw water from Hightown Lake in Ringwood, laying a significant length of hose, which may pass across or through private properties. Residents affected will be contacted directly.
Road closures and other incidents
The A31 remains closed in both directions between the M27 J2 Ower and the A338 Ringwood, according to National Highways. Emergency services continue to work at the scene, with no significant delays reported on approach routes.
Elsewhere, a separate 'significant fire' broke out around 24 miles from the A31 scene in Holbury, where bungalows and vehicles caught fire on Rollestone Road. Flames engulfed a hedgerow outside a home before spreading to two vehicles and two nearby bungalows.
The fifth heatwave of the season is adding to the challenges for firefighters across England, with most of the country enduring drought conditions. London is forecast to reach 36C later this week, with new heat health alerts issued.
