New Forest heathland fire sparked by vehicle forces A31 closures

• Firefighters are tackling a significant heathland blaze in the New Forest, Hampshire, which originated from a vehicle fire on the A31.
• Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said that they received over 160 emergency calls reporting a car on fire on the eastbound A31 at approximately 5.24pm on Sunday.
• A substantial response, including 26 fire engines, four water carriers, and multiple command units, has been mounted, with crews expected to “remain on site for the foreseeable future”.
• The A31 westbound carriageway is closed between the M27 J2 (Ower) and the A338 (Ringwood) while the eastbound carriageway is closed between the A338 and M27 J1 (Cadnam).
• This incident follows several other recent wildfires across the UK.

IN FULL

A31 closed as firefighters tackle major New Forest blaze sparked by vehicle fire