11/08/2026
⚠️ A31 AND NEW FOREST FIRE — TUESDAY 11 AUGUST UPDATE
The New Forest wildfire is reported to be under control, but it has not been extinguished. Firefighters are now entering their third day at the scene, with hotspots and flare-ups still being monitored by police drones.
Crews worked through another night, with seven fire engines and supporting vehicles remaining at the scene. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is planning a larger-scale attack today after a change in wind direction created further challenges.
More than 120 firefighters have been involved in tackling the fire, which has affected approximately one square kilometre of heathland—around 247 acres or 140 football pitches. A significant emergency-service presence is expected to remain for several days.
The five-mile water pipeline from Hightown Lake near Ringwood remains in operation, supplying approximately 1,300 litres of water per minute. Some hoses cross access points to local homes, so please do not drive over them.
🚧 A31 CLOSURE
The A31 remains closed in both directions until further notice:
• Westbound between M27 Junction 2 at Ower and the A338 at Ringwood
• Eastbound between the A338 at Ringwood and M27 Junction 1 at Cadnam
There is still no estimated reopening time. National Highways says significant repairs are required to the road surface, safety barrier and boundary fencing. These cannot begin until the area is declared safe.
🚗 OFFICIAL DIVERSION
National Highways is specifically asking motorists not to follow satnav routes through minor roads.
Westbound traffic should leave the M27 at Junction 2 and follow the A326, A35 through Ashurst, Lyndhurst and Christchurch, then the A3060 and A338 to rejoin the A31 at Ashley Heath.
Eastbound traffic should follow the same route in reverse via the A338, A3060, A35 and A326 before rejoining the M27 at Junction 2.
Please allow substantial extra time, ensure you have enough fuel and carry drinking water and essential medication during the hot weather. Observe local speed limits and watch carefully for free-roaming New Forest livestock.
Serious congestion and knock-on delays remain likely around Lyndhurst, Ringwood, Fordingbridge and surrounding Forest roads. Please travel only when necessary and avoid using narrow rural lanes as shortcuts.
🌳 AREA CLOSURES
Bratley View, Canadian Memorial and Bolderwood car parks remain closed and are unlikely to reopen this week. Please stay away from the affected area and keep gateways and gravel access tracks clear for emergency vehicles.
Anyone who abandoned a vehicle on the A31 should call police on 101, provide the registration number and quote incident reference INC-20260809-2000.
Thank you once again to everyone working in extremely difficult conditions to protect the New Forest. Please share this update with anyone planning to travel through the area today.
BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cmq56755ve09t
Fire service: https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/incident/a31-closed-following-vehicle-fire/
National Highways: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/live-travel-updates/travel-alerts/a31-hampshire-both-directions-fire-road-closed-between-m27-j2-and-a338/
