Firefighters can now leave the New Forest two weeks after devastating fire

Firefighters are finally able to leave the scene of the devastating New Forest wildfire two weeks after first being called.

Two Hampshire fire service off-road vehicles will continue to support Forestry England with monitoring the area until later this evening (August 23) after they will return to station.

It comes two weeks after a vehicle fire on the A31 spread to nearby heathland, with the dry weather allowing it to spread over an area approximately 1.6sqkm in size.

However firefighters have said they are receiving high volumes of calls about smoke since the A31 reopened yesterday morning (August 22).

“This is believed to be caused by dust and debris being picked up by the wind,” the fire service said. “If you do see fire please dial 999 immediately.

“Our firefighters, along with support teams from across the organisation, have worked tirelessly for the past fortnight, helped by our partner agencies and colleagues from other fire services, including national specialists.

“Thank you again to the local residents for their patience and understanding with the disruption to their area, and we recognise the many kind offers of support from members of the community. We must also thank the Rapid Relief Team who helped fuel our firefighters through the hot and tiresome conditions they were battling the fire in, by providing food and drink.

“Although we’ve had a bit of much-needed rain in some areas, it is important we all continue to do our bit to help prevent damaging wildfires destroying our beloved countryside.

“With a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues in place, we ask that you pack a picnic, avoid lighting campfires or bonfires, fully extinguish smoking materials and take your litter home with you.

“If you come across an outdoor fire, get to safety, dial 999 and provide a What3Words pinpoint so firefighters can quickly locate and access the fire to prevent it escalating.”