Eco & Environment, New Forest | Posted on August 11th, 2026 | return to news

New Forest A31 fire continues to threaten local wildlife

The van fire that spread over a square kilometre stretch of the New Forest is still burning, causing extensive damage across the area.

As the New Forest A31 fire enters its third day, the flames are now reported as contained. At its peak, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service reported 120 crew and 15 vehicles on the scene.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service are also involved, while reporting that July was the second busiest month in the last five years for rural fires. It dealt with 277 grassland, woodland and crop fires over the month.

August continues to stretch resources and while the outcome of the New Forest A31 fire will take some time to establish, the impact on nature has been dramatic.

There have been many stories of people working hard to protect nature and rescue the forest’s animal residents both large and small. One example is the workers of Becky’s Beezzzs whose hives were under threat from the spreading fire and required a nighttime rescue.

Forestry England this morning stated that, “We understand that there are concerns regarding the impact of the current fire on the ponies and other animals that graze on the New Forest. The animals are owned and looked after by Commoners who are being kept informed regarding the incident. The animals can roam freely across the Forest to unaffected areas.”

For those planning to travel to or from Dorset, National Highways notes that The A31 in Hampshire remains closed until further notice in both directions between the M27 Junction 2 Ower and the A338 Ringwood. Bournemouth Airport suggests flyers take extra time on their journeys due to the diversions.