• Published

Firefighters on the fourth day of battling a wildfire in the New Forest are facing "challenging" weather conditions with temperatures set to rise again

The blaze began on Sunday 9 August when a van caught fire on the A31, with 23 drivers abandoning their vehicles as the fire took hold.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) said crews had implemented fire breaks and had a 'good hold' of the perimeter of the fire, while changing wind conditions were proving challenging.

National Highways said repairs to the A31 were not expected to be begin until Friday 14 August at the earliest.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service has issued a new statement, in which it said firefighters had a "good hold of the perimeter of the fire" with "progress being made to implement fire breaks".

But it said changing wind conditions were proving "challenging" and nearby residents are advised to close doors and windows due to the smoke.

The fire service has deployed a heavy volume pump at Hightown Lake in Ringwood "in order to deliver a sufficient water supply to the incident ground".

"We understand this affects local residents, with a hose laid across pavements and driveways, and apologise for the frustration this causes," it said.

"We are working with residents to minimise disruption, and appreciate their understanding as this equipment provides our teams with the supply needed to continue tackling this significant fire effectively and help resolve the incident."

National Highways said: "Significant repairs are needed to the road surface, safety barrier, bridge parapets and boundary fencing.

"Repairs can only begin once Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service confirms it's safe to access the road. This is not expected to be the case until Friday at the earliest.

"Smoke, heat, ash and the fire's ongoing movement mean safe access isn't yet possible.

"We have crews on standby ready for when access is granted, and we will be working round the clock to fully open the road as soon as possible."

The New Forest wildfire is one of several to have ignited across the UK amid continuing heatwave conditions.

The Fire Brigades Union say there have been difficulties recruiting on-call firefighters, and a steep fall in overall firefighter numbers.

This has led to fewer available fire engines and appliances, increasing pressure on services.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which is responsible for fire services, says it will ensure fire services have the resources they need.

A spokesperson said: "This includes making almost £1.95bn available for fire services in England, and investing nearly £100m in the biggest upgrade to national resilience in almost 20 years."

England and Wales have seen as many wildfires in 2026 so far as there were in the whole of last year, new figures have revealed, as the Prime Minister is set to convene an emergency meeting about the extreme weather facing the country.

Some 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year, according to data shared by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the same as last year's record-breaking total.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the New Forest fire is a "great concern".

"There is obviously a significant problem of wildfires in the South," he said.

Burnham confirmed that he is considering a ban on disposable BBQs after the wildfire prompted further warnings about using them in high risk areas.

HIWFRS said: "It only takes one careless action to start a wildfire.

"A single discarded cigarette, campfire or barbecue can rapidly escalate into a serious wildfire, causing widespread damage to wildlife and the countryside, endangering firefighters and putting additional pressure on already stretched emergency resources."

People are advised to take home litter, avoid smoking and using barbecues, and not to light campfires or bonfires.

The fire service also warned drivers not to park on dry grass as the underside of vehicles can reach over 400C.