How the New Forest wildfire unfoldedpublished at 20:25 BST 10 August
20:25 BST 10 August
More than 120 firefighters have been tackling a blaze in the New Forest, here’s a reminder of the timeline of the blaze:
A van caught fire on the A31 near Ringwood, Hampshire, shortly after 17:20 BST on Sunday.
Twenty-six fire crews alongside water carriers and specialist off-road units were sent to the scene as the flames quickly spread to the heathland by the side of the road – watch the moment they arrived on scene.
The A31 closed and police later said 23 drivers had to abandon their cars.
Firefighting crews worked through the night to tackle the blaze.
By Monday morning the fire was still raging and crews worked to try and distinguish it.
At midday on Monday, Forestry England said the fire had spread to the size of 140 football pitches and urged people to stay away.
On Monday afternoon, National Highways said the A31 had sustained “significant damage” and there was no estimated time for when the A31 would reopen.
This evening Forestry England, which manages about half of the New Forest National Park, said the fire is under control but the operation could last for days as flames are still on site.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service then said its crews were set to work into the night as they continue to tackle the blaze.