Firefighters tackle large woodland fire in the New Forest
Evening Incident Update – 9 August
Firefighters returned to the scene this evening to carry out a further inspection of the area and dampen down a small number of remaining hotspots using a hose reel.
Following the inspection, no further re-inspections are required and crews have now left the scene.
Fire Update – Fire Now Out – 2:00pm
The stop message has now been received following a significant fire involving deep-seated peat and undergrowth.
Firefighters have worked extremely hard throughout the incident, tackling the fire in arduous and challenging conditions. Crews used seven jets over approximately six hours today, alongside multiple beaters, to bring the fire under control.
The incident has now been handed over to National Grid due to a pylon in the vicinity. National Grid will continue to carry out regular fire patrols of the area.
One fire engine will return to the scene in the early evening to carry out a further check.
Crews are now making up their equipment and preparing to leave the scene.
A huge thank you to all our teams involved who have worked so hard in difficult conditions to deal with this incident.
Midday Incident Update – 9 August
Firefighters have continued to make progress at the scene of the fire near Hale Purlieu in the New Forest this morning.
Crews have been working across the affected area, damping down hotspots and checking the surrounding woodland to ensure there are no signs of the fire spreading.
Firefighters will remain at the scene this afternoon, with crews being rotated to allow those who have been working since earlier this morning to rest.
The incident remains under control, but members of the public are asked to avoid the area while firefighting and monitoring work continues.
Morning Incident Update – 9 August
Throughout the night, a small team of firefighters maintained a watching brief until first light, when crews from Ringwood, Fordingbridge and Eastleigh, along with teams from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services, arrived to support operations.
Despite the difficult terrain, crews have made good progress this morning. A relief strategy is now being implemented, with those firefighters who attended the incident at first light being replaced by fresh crews.
Firefighters are expected to maintain a presence at the scene throughout the day, damping down hotspots and preventing the fire from escalating or spreading.
Initial Incident Information – 8 August
Firefighters were called shortly after 2.30pm this afternoon to reports of a large fire involving trees and scrubland near Hale Purlieu in the New Forest.
Crews have worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon and into the evening to tackle the fire. The fire covers an area of approximately 30 metres by 80 metres and is deep-seated within the undergrowth, making firefighting operations particularly challenging.
More than 50 firefighters have attended the incident, with crews from Fordingbridge, Burley, Totton, Redbridge, Ringwood, St Mary’s, Hightown, Romsey, Eastleigh and Beaulieu working together to tackle the fire. They have also been supported by crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services.
Due to the difficult terrain and reduced visibility overnight, firefighting operations have now been scaled back. The decision has been made that it is not safe for crews to continue actively tackling the fire during the hours of darkness.
Firefighters will return tomorrow morning to continue damping down. The area will be monitored overnight to ensure the situation remains under control.
Members of the public are asked to avoid the area while the incident remains ongoing
