A MAJOR incident has been declared after a “challenging” rural fire closed a main road in Hampshire. Crews have “worked through the night” tackling the blaze which began as a vehicle fire on Sunday (August 9).
Crews from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were sent to the eastbound A31 at just after 5.20pm yesterday, after scores of people reported a van ablaze.
“The fire spread from the vehicle to the central reservation before progressing into nearby heathland,” a spokesperson said.
The A31 in Hampshire remains closed in both directions as firefighters remain on the scene, as they continue to bring the fire under control.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: “The smoke, which was clearly visible across the area and from both sides of the Solent yesterday, has reduced significantly. Some smoke remains visible locally, but it is now much less widespread.
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“We are aware that in some areas the smell of smoke is lingering and we ask that you first check the smell of smoke in your area isn’t caused by a separate fire, and if so, please dial 999.”
There are currently 10 fire engines and 10 off-road vehicles at the scene, with crews “continuing to work in challenging conditions,” the spokesperson added.
Forestry England have been supporting emergency services as the fire is estimated to have affected more than 100 hectares of The New Forest. Picture: Forestry England.
The rural location of the fire means maintaining a steady water supply can be difficult. Due to this, firefighters are also laying a high-volume pump (HVP) system, which allows large amounts of water to be moved over a longer distance, across Ringwood to provide a reliable and sustainable supply of water to crews tackling the fire.
The spokesperson said: “People in and around Ringwood may see firefighters and equipment involved in laying the system. This is an important part of our response and will help support firefighting operations at the scene. Please do not drive over the hose as this could cause damage and result in loss of water.”
Members of the New Forest Forestry England team have also offered support to the emergency services. A spokesperson said the fire initially spread to Bratley Wood and has since extended to the surrounding area.
They added: “The fire is currently estimated as having affected over 100 hectares. Incidents like this can be devastating to all of the things that make the New Forest so special. Our team will be carefully assessing the impact once the incident is fully resolved.”
A spokesperson from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service added: “Firefighters have worked through the night and continue to tackle the fire affecting heathland near the A31. We will continue to have a significant presence in the area as crews work to bring the fire under control.”
According to National Highways, the A31 in Hampshire is closed in both directions – the 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).
A spokesperson for the road management body confirmed Hampshire fire crews, supported by colleagues from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, are currently attending the incident.
They added: “National Highways contractors are also in attendance and have advised that there is significant damage to the road surface and road safety barrier as a result of the fire and a subsequent oil spillage from the burnt out vehicle.
“The road is likely to be closed into the day, and at this stage there is no estimated time for re-opening.”
A31 closure – diversion details
The following recommended diversion is currently in place:
A31 Westbound
Traffic travelling westbound is advised to follow the below diversion route:
- Exit the M27 at J2 (Ower Interchange) onto the A326 towards Ashurst Bridge.
- Join the A35 and head southbound on the A35 through Ashurst, Lyndhurst, Allum Green, Hinton Admiral and Christchurch.
- At the Iford roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A3060 towards the Cooper Dean roundabout.
- At the Cooper Dean roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A338.
- Continue northbound on the A338 to the Ashley Heath roundabout to re-join the A31.
A31 Eastbound
Traffic travelling eastbound is advised to follow the below diversion route:
- Exit the A31 at Ashley Heath roundabout onto the A338.
- Continue south on the A338 towards Bournemouth.
- At the Cooper Dean roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A3060.
- Continue on the A3060 to the Iford roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A35.
- Continue on the A35 through Christchurch, Hinton Admiral, Allum Green, Lyndhurst and Ashurst until you reach the A326.
- Head northbound on the A326 to re-join the M27 at J2 (Ower Interchange).
For more information on the closure and diversion, visit the National Highways website or call their 24/7 contact centre team who can provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.
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