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As of August 15, 2025, the A31 through the New Forest National Park in Hampshire remains closed in both directions after a wildfire ignited on Sunday, August 9, when a van caught fire on the eastbound carriageway near Ringwood. The blaze has now burned through approximately 165 acres of internationally protected heathland — an area the size of 200 football pitches — and continues to smolder, keeping fire crews from Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and beyond on scene for a seventh day. National Highways has confirmed that repair work cannot begin until the fire service declares the road safe, pushing the earliest reopening date to Thursday, August 20, with a reduced speed limit and narrowed lanes expected for weeks after.
The fire started around 5:20 p.m. BST on August 9, spreading rapidly from the vehicle into dry heathland. Strong winds and high temperatures in the subsequent days fueled the fire’s growth, forcing the closure of the A31 between M27 Junction 2 (Ower) in the east and the A338 junction at Ashley Heath near Ringwood in the west. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has warned that crews may remain on site for several more days due to persistent hot spots and deep peat burns. As of August 15, smoke continues to drift over parts of the forest, including Roger Penny Way, and air quality monitoring shows moderate levels, with DEFRA urging residents and travelers to keep windows closed and use recirculated air conditioning when driving through affected zones.
National Highways has assessed the structural damage along the A31 and confirmed that repairs require at least 1,000 metres of replacement boundary fencing — already pre-staged nearby — plus road resurfacing and several hundred metres of vehicle restraint barrier work across five locations. Temporary protective measures will also be installed around fire-damaged bridge parapets. However, all work is on hold while the fire service continues to battle the blaze. The August 20 target is the earliest possible date; if fire activity persists, the closure could extend. Even after reopening, the A31 will operate with narrow lanes and a 50 mph speed limit, with permanent repairs scheduled for a later date. This means that the England August bank holiday weekend (August 23–25) will see a degraded road, potentially causing significant delays.
Drivers are strongly advised to follow the official diversion route rather than relying on satnav. The signed eastbound detour takes drivers from the Ashley Heath roundabout onto the A338 south toward Bournemouth, then the A3060 at Cooper Dean roundabout, the A35 at Iford roundabout, and continues through Christchurch, Hinton Admiral, Allum Green, Lyndhurst, and Ashurst before rejoining the M27 at Junction 2. The westbound route mirrors this in reverse, starting at M27 Junction 2 (Ower Interchange) onto the A326 toward Ashurst Bridge, then the A35 south through Lyndhurst, and back to the A338 north. The full diversion adds considerable distance and time, so National Highways advises drivers to carry extra fuel, water, and essential medicines, and to follow the TRIP framework: Top-up, Rest, Inspect, Prepare.
The wildfire has also forced the closure of multiple Forestry England car parks and trails. As of August 15, the following car parks are closed: Bratley View, Canadian War Memorial, Bolderwood, Knightwood Oak, James Hill, Millyford Bridge, Highland Water, Barrow Moor, Woosons, and The Old Reptiliary. The cycle network in the affected area is also closed. In addition, Bolderwood Arboret
