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New Forest Wildfire Rages for Seventh Day
15 Aug
Summary
- Wildfire has been burning for seven days in the New Forest.
- Firefighters have spent nearly 10,000 hours battling the blaze.
- A vehicle fire on the A31 sparked the extensive New Forest fire.
A significant wildfire continues to burn in the New Forest, marking its seventh consecutive day of activity. Firefighters are engaged in a prolonged effort, with thousands of hours already dedicated to containment. The fire covers an area of roughly 1.6 square kilometers and includes trees, bushland, and heathland.
This major incident originated from a vehicle fire near the A31, which subsequently spread to adjacent land. The A31 road remains closed and is expected to stay shut until Thursday, impacting local travel. Fire crews are working tirelessly around the clock to manage the situation.
In response to escalating wildfire risks across the UK, the government issued emergency alerts to millions. These warnings urged the public to avoid lighting any fires that could spark a blaze, such as barbecues and garden incinerators. The prime minister has also announced a ban on disposable barbecues.
Fire services reported a high volume of calls following the alerts and urged the public to only call emergency services in genuine fire emergencies. They clarified that reports of neighborly barbecues or small bonfires, unless critical, do not warrant a 999 call.
