Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFirefighters 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 fullA31 closed as firefighters tackle major New Forest blaze sparked by vehicle fireMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Traffic came to a halt and drivers were ordered to the side of the road after flames from the van ignited 'tinderbox bracken' by the westbound A31 near the New Forest in Hampshire.

Traffic came to a halt and drivers were ordered to the side of the road after flames from the van ignited 'tinderbox bracken' by the westbound A31 near the New Forest in Hampshire.