A31 re-opens following wildfire repairs

The area remains hazardous with some places remaining closed

Smoke rises from a major heathland blaze in the New Forest near Ringwood in Hampshire. More than 20 fire engines are tackling the blaze near the A31 after a vehicle fire spread to the nearby heathland
Author: Harrison CablePublished 22nd Aug 2026

The A31 has now re-opened following repairs to the road.

It comes after a wildfire in the New Forest, with the council saying some areas of ground are still very hot.

Lay-bys on the road are remaining closed and some areas also remain shut or cordoned off.

The council says the fire-affected land remains hazardous.

The eastbound carriageway will be placed under a 40mph speed limit, with a 50mph limit in force on the westbound carriageway.

One lane will remain shut for fire services.

This follows an incident when a van fire on the A31 caused a heathland fire.

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