Deputy Chief Fire Officer Shantha Dickinson said the closure was needed to allow emergency services to access the blaze, while repairs are also required. She said: "The A31 is closed. "There are a few reasons for that - obviously, it was closed to enable emergency responder access. She urged motorists to avoid the area, while several New Forest car parks have also been closed. Shantha added: "We’re obviously pushing out messages asking people to try and avoid the area as much as possible."