Firefighters have spent more than 24 hours battling a large heathland fire in the New Forest, which began when a van caught fire on the A31 near Ringwood, Hampshire. The blaze, which forced some drivers to abandon their vehicles, spread quickly into surrounding vegetation, creating a smoke plume visible for miles. As of Monday, crews continue to work to contain the fire, with officials warning the operation may last for several more days due to ongoing challenges with water supply and changing wind conditions. The fire started shortly after 5:24 p.m. BST on Sunday, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, which received over 160 emergency calls about the incident. Initial reports indicated the flames spread from the burning van onto the central reservation of the motorway and then into nearby heathland. By late Sunday, the fire had reached the southern edge of the New Forest, near Backley Bottom, where it posed a particular challenge due to the rugged terrain and dense vegetation. To combat the blaze, a significant response was launched, with 26 fire engines, four water carriers, and six off-road vehicles dispatched to the scene. Additional support came from neighboring fire services, as the situation escalated. Fire crews relied heavily on a high-volume pump (HVP) system to draw water from Hightown Lake, located just east of Ringwood, to supply the frontline teams. This system allowed for a continuous flow of water despite the long distances the hoses had to cover, sometimes crossing private land and passing through residential areas. National Highways confirmed that the A31 remains fully closed in both directions between Picket Post and junction two of the M27 near Ower. The closure affects travel between key locations, including the M27 and the A338, requiring motorists to take alternative routes. Traffic westbound is being redirected via the A326 toward Ashurst Bridge and then onto the A338 to the Ashley Heath roundabout, while traffic eastbound is rerouted along the A338 toward Bournemouth. These detours have caused delays and increased congestion in surrounding areas. Authorities have also issued warnings to residents in the vicinity, advising them not to drive over the laid water-hose lines, as doing so could damage the infrastructure and disrupt the critical water supply needed to extinguish the fire. Police have urged anyone who left their vehicle on the A31 to contact 101 with their license plate details so that arrangements can be made to retrieve their cars. So far, 23 vehicles have been recovered by law enforcement. Environmental concerns have also come to the forefront, with experts highlighting the potential impact on the region's unique ecosystem. The New Forest is known for its rich biodiversity, including rare species such as wild ponies, deer, and specific bird and insect populations. Gillie Molland, lead ranger for the New Forest National Park Authority, noted that the affected heathland is home to many nationally and internationally rare species, including all six of the UK’s native reptile species. She emphasized that some of these species may face long-term recovery challenges if local populations were harmed during the fire. Meanwhile, Forestry England has stated it will carefully assess the environmental impact of the blaze once it is fully extinguished. Officials acknowledged that incidents like this can be devastating to the natural features that make the New Forest a unique landscape. The fire service has also expressed gratitude to local residents for their cooperation and understanding, particularly regarding the temporary disruption caused by the water-hose lines crossing private property. With the fire still active and ongoing challenges with water availability and shifting wind patterns, authorities have not yet given an estimated timeframe for when the road will reopen. Firefighters remain on-site, continuing their efforts to bring the blaze under control and protect the surrounding environment.
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