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A31 wildfire brought under control after 1 km² burn

8/13/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Firefighters Contain Wildfire

The A31 wildfire that started after a van ignited on 9 August is under control, burning about 1 km² (400 acres) and threatening rare species in the New Forest.
More than 160 calls prompted deployment of up to 26 fire engines and support vehicles and recovery of 20 abandoned cars.
The A31 remained closed between Junction 2 on the M27 and the A338 until 14 August, prompting Bournemouth Airport to warn passengers of travel time.

Summary

Tourism Officials Warn

Tourism officials warned the New Forest blaze could cut the region’s £107.6 m leisure income and urged visitors away.
Local volunteers using a WhatsApp group supplied food and drink to firefighters.
The A31 closure forced holiday traffic onto narrow forest lanes, creating jams for thousands.
Drought now affects about 70 % of the UK.
The National Fire Chiefs Council recorded 1,017 wildfires this year, including 458 in July.

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Firefighters Contain Wildfire

The A31 wildfire that started after a van ignited on 9 August is under control, burning about 1 km² (400 acres) and threatening rare species in the New Forest.
More than 160 calls prompted deployment of up to 26 fire engines and support vehicles and recovery of 20 abandoned cars.
The A31 remained closed between Junction 2 on the M27 and the A338 until 14 August, prompting Bournemouth Airport to warn passengers of travel time.

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