Firefighters have issued a further warning to motorists in the South East of England following a lorry blaze that caused a wildfire to spread to the size of around 240 football pitches.
The A31 in Hampshire remains closed in both directions “until further notice” after a vehicle fire spread to the nearby heathland.
Officers have closed the westbound carriageway between M27 J2 (Ower) and the A338 (Ringwood), while the eastbound is closed between the A338 and M27 J1 (Cadnam).
Teams from National Highways have assessed the damage caused by the fire and warned that repairs can only be carried out when it is safe.
It stated that “significant repairs” were required to the road surface, road safety barrier and boundary fencing.
Drivers are being told not to follow their satnav systems and instead follow the local diversion route set out by National Highways.
The transport organisation has also reminded drivers to stick to the speed limits on local roads as livestock around New Forest can roam freely.
The latest update from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service states that crews worked tirelessly throughout the night.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have renewed its warning to drivers on the A31
|
HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
However, a change in wind direction created challenges to the firefighting operations, although they have managed to contain the fire.
Firefighters have used a mix of fire engines and off-road vehicles to damp down and cool the edges, allowing them to prevent the spread of the fire and escalate the situation.
Police drones are also being used to identify hot spot areas and manage flare-ups, alongside seven fire engines and water carriers, off-road vehicles and support vehicles.
A spokesperson added: “We are maintaining water supply to the site through a combination of water carriers and the High Volume Pump (HVP) system.
The A31 remains closed for motorists
|
GB NEWS
“We recognise that the hoses that have been laid as part of this system do in places go across access to homes in the area and we thank residents for their support and patience.
“The HVP allows us to move large amounts of water over a longer distance, helping crews maintain a continuous supply while they work to bring the fire under control.”
A number of drivers have been forced to abandon their cars on the road, with an estimated 23 cars believed to be left.
Impacted drivers have created a Facebook group to share information about when they will be able to retrieve their cars.
The A31 is expected to remain closed ‘until further notice’
|
PA
Traffic travelling westbound is advised to follow the below diversion route:
- Exit the M27 at J2 (Ower Interchange) onto the A326 towards Ashurst Bridge
- Join the A35 and head southbound on the A35 through Ashurst, Lyndhurst, Allum Green, Hinton Admiral and Christchurch
- At the Iford roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A3060 towards the Cooper Dean roundabout
- At the Cooper Dean roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A338
- Continue northbound on the A338 to the Ashley Heath roundabout to re-join the A31
Traffic travelling eastbound is advised to follow the below diversion route:
- Exit the A31 at Ashley Heath roundabout onto the A338
- Continue south on the A338 towards Bournemouth
- At the Cooper Dean roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A3060
- Continue on the A3060 to the Iford roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A35
- Continue on the A35 through Christchurch, Hinton Admiral, Allum Green, Lyndhurst and Ashurst until you reach the A326
- Head northbound on the A326 to re-join the M27 at J2 (Ower Interchange)