Drivers told to flee cars ‘if you want to stay alive’ after New Forest fire spreads

Noora Mykkanen | Senior Live News reporter Published August 10, 2026 7:53am Updated August 10, 2026 7:54am To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video New Forest is on high alert after a lorry fire spread to the dry heathland along the A31, forcing families to drive through flames to escape. Dozens of fire engines and crews continue to tackle a blaze near the major road after it overwhelmed parts of the Hampshire beauty spot yesterday evening. Flames began to spread after an HGV fire, quickly latching onto the bone-dry shrubs and grass on the verges. Dramatic footage shows motorists evacuating from their vehicles after the fire spread on both sides of the busy road, with thick smoke seen for miles. A police officer was hear