Firefighters tackle wildfire for seventh day

A fire service says "there are many days of work ahead of us" as crews continue to tackle a wildfire for a seventh day.

The blaze in the New Forest began when a van caught fire on the A31 last Sunday, with 23 drivers having to abandon their vehicles as the fire took hold.

The A31 will remain closed until at least Thursday 20 August, says National Highways.

In the update on Friday evening, assistant chief fire officer for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) Rob Cole said: "I'm pleased to say we are getting on top of this. However there are many days of work ahead of us to ensure that this fire doesn't spread when the wind blows or when other hotspots start to occur."

The fire service revealed that the blaze has affected an area of approximately 1.6 sq km (0.6 sq miles) and 169 fire appliances have attended from 93 fire stations.

Cole said: "It includes such a vast area we've had so have so many firefighters fighting this fire 24/7."

On Friday evening the UK's mobile phone alert system was used to warn people not to light anything which could spark a wildfire, including barbecues and garden incinerators.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told members of the public to take the warning "seriously" and said it was triggered at the request of firefighters.

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