Firefighting operations in the New Forest are expected to continue for several days following a significant wildfire that has now been brought under control. The blaze, which began when a van caught fire on the A31 near Bratley Wood on Sunday evening, forced motorists to abandon more than 20 vehicles as flames spread across protected heathland.

The New Forest National Park Authority has warned of severe ecological damage to the internationally protected area, which is home to rare species including all six UK native reptiles, Dartford warblers, and nightjars. "It's rare heathland, which globally is more rare than rainforest," a spokesperson stated, emphasizing the area's high concentration of lowland heathland in western Europe.

On Monday evening, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire was under control but stressed their "significant presence" would be required for days to come. "We work to protect this beautiful part of the New Forest," a fire service representative said. Smoke from the fire was visible for miles, even drifting across the Solent, prompting advice for residents to keep doors and windows shut.

National Highways has closed the A31 dual carriageway through the New Forest indefinitely due to significant damage to the road surface and crash barriers, as well as oil spillage from the burnt-out vehicle. This closure impacts a main tourist route to Dorset and the south-west of England, with no estimated reopening time.

Witnesses described a harrowing experience, with one woman, Lindsey Legg, recounting how she and her family were stopped by police and forced to abandon their car. "We started seeing people abandoning their cars. Women and children were walking with buggies," she told BBC Radio Solent. "Police told us 'you can't go any further.' We realised the fire was going through the field - it was pretty scary. We had to abandon the car and cross the central reservation to get away from the side of the fire. We thought the car was going to go up at one point."

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, supported by neighbouring services, initially deployed 26 fire engines and four water carriers in response to 160 emergency calls. By Monday afternoon, the operation involved over 120 firefighters, 10 fire engines, and 13 off-road vehicles.

Gillie Molland, lead ranger for the park authority, indicated that the recovery of the affected area will take many years. The incident highlights the vulnerability of the unique New Forest ecosystem to fire, particularly during dry periods.

Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid the area as the extensive clean-up and monitoring process begins. The full extent of the environmental impact on the rare species and habitats is yet to be fully assessed.