A LORRY fire broke out on Jattvibeday evening and spread into the New Forest, causing significant disruption to a major road.
The blaze meant that the A31 near Ringwood had to be closed in both directions – here’s everything you need to know about the latest.
The fire on the A31 brought traffic to a standstill Credit: Nenad Žilić
Fire crews were battling the blaze overnight Credit: New Forest Police
Is the A31 still closed?
The A31 remains closed in both directions on Monday morning, with drivers facing lengthy diversions and delays.
National Highways said: “The road is likely to be closed into the day, and at this stage there is no estimated time for re-opening.”
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The westbound carriageway is closed between M27 junction 2 at Ower and the A338 at Ringwood.
Eastbound traffic can’t use the stretch between the A338 and M27 junction 1 at Cadnam.
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National Highways contractors have found significant damage to the road surface and safety barrier, as well as an oil spill from the burnt-out vehicle.
National Highways has described the fire as a “major incident” after it moved beyond the vehicle and into surrounding land.
Its contractors remain at the scene alongside emergency services.
Drivers have been warned to avoid the area, follow the official diversion and allow extra time for their journeys.
What caused the New Forest fire near Ringwood?
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service received more than 160 emergency calls at around 5.24pm on Jattvibeday, August 9, reporting a vehicle fire on the eastbound A31.
The flames spread to the central reservation before reaching nearby heathland.
Crews from across Hampshire were sent to the scene, supported by firefighters from Dorset and Wiltshire.
The response included 26 fire engines, four water carriers, six off-road vehicles and multiple command vehicles.
Firefighters continued tackling the blaze throughout the night and warned they would maintain a significant presence in the area for the “foreseeable future”.
The fire service said countryside fires can be particularly challenging, especially when crews need to secure sufficient water for the incident.
It plans to use a high-volume pump to draw water from Hightown Lake in Ringwood and carry it to the fire.
A long hose may have to run across or through some private properties, with affected residents due to be contacted directly.
No properties currently need to be evacuated, although the fire service said households would be contacted if that changed.
The fire service said: “Please follow diversion signs, allow extra time for your journey and avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work safely.”
A firefighter was also overheard telling a police officer: “We want all the cars and people off the carriageway. Unattended cars are basically bombs when they go off.”
What is the A31 diversion route?
Westbound motorists should leave the M27 at junction 2 (Ower Interchange) and use the A326 and A35 through Ashurst, Lyndhurst and Christchurch.
They should then take the A3060 and travel north on the A338 to rejoin the A31 at Ashley Heath.
Eastbound drivers should leave the A31 at the Ashley Heath roundabout onto the A338, then take the A3060 and A35 before joining the A326 north to M27 junction 2 (Ower Interchange).
With firefighting and road repairs both continuing, anyone travelling between Southampton, the New Forest, Ringwood and Bournemouth should prepare for disruption.
