The A31 has been closed in both directions near the New Forest in Hampshire after a vehicle fire spread into surrounding dry heathland, triggering a major emergency response.
Firefighters were called to reports of a vehicle fire on the A31 at approximately 5:24 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, before flames spread from the vehicle into the central reservation and nearby heathland.
The rapidly developing fire caused major traffic disruption and sent a large plume of smoke across the surrounding area.
A31 Closed as Fire Spreads Into Heathland
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said it received more than 160 emergency calls reporting the vehicle fire.
Crews found that the fire had spread from the vehicle into the central reservation before progressing into nearby heathland.
Firefighters from across Hampshire were joined by crews from Dorset and Wiltshire as they worked to contain the blaze.
The A31 has been closed in both directions between Picket Post and Junction 2 of the M27.
Motorists have been advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes while emergency crews remain at the scene.
Major Emergency Response Underway
More than 26 fire engines were deployed to the incident, along with four water carriers, six off-road vehicles and command vehicles.
The difficult conditions and dry vegetation have increased the challenge for firefighters working to prevent the flames from spreading further across the heathland.
The incident has also caused significant disruption for motorists traveling through the New Forest and surrounding parts of Hampshire.
Emergency officials have urged drivers to follow diversion signs, allow additional time for their journeys and stay away from the affected area.
Smoke Visible Across the Area
A large column of smoke from the fire could be seen from communities several miles away.
The combination of the vehicle fire and extremely dry vegetation allowed the flames to spread quickly from the roadway into the surrounding heathland.
People in nearby areas have been advised to avoid the incident zone and allow emergency crews unrestricted access.
What Happened to the Vehicle?
Fire officials said the incident began when a vehicle caught fire on the A31.
The flames then spread to vegetation in the central reservation before moving into nearby heathland.
The circumstances that caused the vehicle to catch fire had not been confirmed in the latest official update.
There were no confirmed reports of deaths or serious injuries in the latest available information.
A31 New Forest Fire: What We Know
Location: A31 near the New Forest, Hampshire, England
Country: United Kingdom
Fire reported: Approximately 5:24 p.m., Sunday, August 9, 2026
Initial incident: Vehicle fire
Spread: Central reservation and nearby heathland
Road status: A31 closed in both directions
Closure: Between Picket Post and Junction 2 of the M27
Emergency calls: More than 160
Fire engines: More than 26
Water carriers: 4
Off-road vehicles: 6
Fire services involved: Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire
Cause: Under investigation / not confirmed
Status: Developing
The A31 remains closed while firefighters work to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the surrounding heathland.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area, follow diversion signs and allow extra time for their journeys while emergency crews continue responding to the incident.