Major UK road fire as drivers told 'flee for your life' but some 'drive through flames'

A major wildfire has broken out near the A31 in Hampshire, with more than 20 fire engines battling the blaze. The road is closed in both directions and the closure is expected to continue into Monday

Abigail Hunt Content Editor

07:23, 10 Aug 2026Updated 11:54, 10 Aug 2026

New Forest fire after van blaze on A31

A vehicle blaze on the A31 has spread to heathland in the New Forest, with police urging drivers to evacuate and abandon their cars.

More than 20 fire engines are battling the inferno that erupted on the road just after 5.24pm on Sunday. The public made in excess of 160 calls reporting the fire on the eastbound carriageway, leading to motorists abandoning their vehicles on the road to escape the flames.

Firefighters continue to combat the fire, with the road anticipated to remain shut for the remainder of the day. The road is blocked in both directions. The westbound carriageway is closed between the M27 J2 (Ower) and the A338 (Ringwood).

[Motorists had to turn around or evacuate and abandon their cars]

Motorists had to turn around or evacuate and abandon their cars(Image: Nenad ili/Facebook)

The eastbound carriageway is shut between the A338 and M27 J1 (Cadnam).

Barbara, who found herself stranded on the A31 on Sunday, described the situation to the Bournemouth Echo as 'horrendous'. She stated: "We had to pull over and stop. It was horrendous. The fire was spreading. You could feel the heat inside the car. We didn't know what had happened and the smoke was pretty awful."

One motorist posted online: "We were lucky. The traffic came to a standstill and the police were running down the dual carriageway and telling us to turn around immediately. It was coming towards us."

[Drivers were told to abandon their vehicles and run for their lives]

Drivers were told to abandon their vehicles and run for their lives(Image: Facebook)

Some drivers reportedly 'drove straight through the flames' when the fire ignited. One driver commented: "It happened so fast. Some drivers just went straight through the flames.

"Others did emergency stops, turned around and tried to get back along the carriageway. It was sheer panic."

Motorists have voiced their worries about retrieving their vehicles as it appears some individuals managed to turn around and get home without having to abandon their cars.

[A vehicle fire spread to bushes in the New Forest, sparking panic among motorists]

A vehicle fire spread to bushes in the New Forest, sparking panic among motorists(Image: Facebook)

According to the fire and rescue service, the A31 remains shut, with the closure anticipated to extend into Monday.

Hampshire fire teams, backed by colleagues from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, are currently responding to the incident.

A total of 26 fire engines, four water carriers, six off-road vehicles and multiple command vehicles are at the scene.

[The road is expected to be closed for at least the remainder of Monday]

The road is expected to be closed for at least the remainder of Monday(Image: Nenad ili/Facebook)

Traffic travelling westbound is advised to follow the below diversion route - not symbol led

Exit the M27 at J2 (Ower Interchange) onto the A327 towards Ashurst Bridge. Join the A35 and head southbound on the A35 through Ashurst, Lyndhurst, Allum Green, Hinton Admiral and Christchurch. At the Iford roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A3060 towards the Cooper Dean roundabout. At the Cooper Dean roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A338. Continue northbound on the A338 to the Ashley Heath roundabout to re-join the A31

[People said they could feel the heat of the flames inside their cars]

People said they could feel the heat of the flames inside their cars(Image: BBC)

Traffic travelling eastbound is advised to follow the below diversion route - not symbol led

Exit the A31 at Ashley Heath roundabout onto the A338. Continue south on the A338 towards Bournemouth. At the Cooper Dean roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A3060. Continue on the A3060 to the Iford roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A35. Continue on the A35 through Christchurch, Hinton Admiral, Allum Green, Lyndhurst and Ashurst until you reach the A326. Head northbound on the A326 to re-join the M27 at J2 (Ower Interchange)

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue stated: "Firefighters continue to tackle the fire affecting heathland near the A31 and will remain on site for the foreseeable future.

[The smoke can be seen in Lyndhurst]

The smoke can be seen in Lyndhurst

"We continue to have a significant presence in the area as crews work to bring the fire under control.

"Fires in the countryside can be particularly challenging for firefighters, especially when it comes to getting sufficient water to the incident.

"To support our firefighting operations, we plan to use a high-volume pump to draw water from Hightown Lake in Ringwood and transport it to the incident."

[People have been warned to keep their doors and windows closed]

People have been warned to keep their doors and windows closed(Image: Fire services)

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