Hose pump near Ringwood planned to scale down after major fire incident
An eight kilometre hose was laid from Hightown Lake near to Ringwood to support firefighters
Plans to scale down an eight kilometre hose near to Ringwood are underway, after firefighters used it to pump water from Hightown Lake.
The hose was laid to support firefighters with water after a 1.6 kilometre fire broke out last week.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service say the hose pump impacted residents near to the area.
Karl Manners, Group Manager for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said: "As part of our firefighting operations, we've had to lay approximately eight kilometres of really large hose through our high-volume pumping unit.
"That enables us to take water from an external supply and bring it to the fire ground, which really supports firefighters in firefighting operations without having to travel large distances.
"As a result of that, that eight kilometre hose that's been laid out has impacted some of the local residents in the area.
"We'd like to take this opportunity to thank those residents who were affected, and were unable to get out of their properties.
"We understand that this significant length of hose that has taken us from Hightown Lake to the scene of the fire was a challenge for residents.
"We have been talking with residents and meeting with them, trying to support them as best we can.
"But I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank them for their understanding and cooperation that's helped us to support crews to protect their local landscape and wildlife."
Crews are currently working to scale down the hose within the area, with the aim of this taking place today (Thursday 19th August).
Affecting factors will depend on whether the fire experiences another large flare-up, but the service say they aim to remove the hose pipe by this afternoon.
Fire crews are still actively working at the scene to dampen the area and reduce the risks of any re-ignition.
The A31 road remains closed with diversions in place.