Police have released shocking footage showing the devastating spread of a blaze engulfing over 100 hectares of New Forest heathland off the A31. Flames from a van fire on the A31 near Ringwood have since spread to engulf over 100 hectares of New Forest heathland, including Bratley Wood (picture: Hampshire police)The alarm was first raised around 5.25pm, with the flames soon spreading to the central reservation and then into nearby heathland. An FE spokesperson explained the fire initially spread to Bratley Wood before later extending to the surrounding area. People were urged to avoid the area and leave gateways and gravel access tracks clear for firefighters and FE staff to manage the incident. The FE spokesperson said: “Incidents like this can be devastating to all of the things that make the New Forest so special.