Firefighters battling massive fire that shut A31 deliver positive update
Firefighters have been preventing further outbreaks
Firefighters battling a massive wildfire in the New Forest that has led to the A31 being closed for more than a week have delivered a positive update.
A van fire that spread to heathland on the A31 near Ringwood on Sunday August 9 around 5.30pm has seen a huge response from firefighters across the country. The main route to the south-west has been closed since the blaze erupted causing traffic mayhem for drivers.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has now said in an update: “We are pleased to say that we are now in a position to reduce the number of resources in attendance.
“Our firefighters continue to dampen down the area, checking for hotspots and preventing the fire from reigniting, and we expect to remain on the scene for the next few days. You can see a reminder of what hotspots are and how we tackle them, below.
“During this time our teams will also be packing up equipment that has helped us tackle the fire for the past nine days, as well as beginning the process of handing over the A31 back to our National Highways colleagues, so they can commence their essential repair works.”
People have been asked to continuing avoiding the area, with the fire wanting to “share our thanks for all your continued patience, support and understanding over the past week”.
The statement added: “Firefighters from across the country have worked incredibly hard, day and night, and through the heat, to contain and extinguish this fire.
“Help them to prevent these devastating incidents occurring in the first place; pack a picnic instead of a barbecue, don’t light bonfires or campfires, ensure smoking materials are extinguished, and take your litter home with you.”