Bolton’s Bench Fire Latest News: Firefighters successfully extinguished a fresh gorse fire at Bolton’s Bench in Lyndhurst on Friday, 14 August 2026. Emergency crews from Beaulieu and Redbridge fire stations responded to the blaze on Beaulieu Road. The fire destroyed roughly one acre of gorse before it was brought under control and fully put out by mid-afternoon. Here’s everything you need to know about the Bolton’s Bench Fire latest news and affected routes.
Bolton’s Bench Fire Latest News: Current Status
The gorse fire at Bolton’s Bench is fully extinguished, and fire crews have successfully cleared the scene. The isolated blaze broke out around midday on Friday, 14 August 2026, destroying roughly one acre of gorse along Beaulieu Road.
Fire stations from Beaulieu and Redbridge brought the flames under control using main jets, hose reels, and an ultra-high-pressure lance, officially logging their departure from the site by 13:23 BST.
Bolton’s Bench Fire Latest News: Bolton’s Bench and Parc Pale Car Parks Closed
The Bolton’s Bench and Parc Pale car parks are temporarily closed. Forestry England rangers are actively patrolling the site to monitor former hot spots and prevent any reignition amidst ongoing dry, hot conditions.
Bolton’s Bench Fire Latest News: Active Fire Service Instructions
Lighting campfires, using barbecues, or operating any outdoor cooking gear anywhere within the New Forest boundary remains strictly prohibited and is subject to immediate fines.
Cigarette butts and glass items must be disposed of safely, as authorities trace multiple recent area fires back to careless public actions.
Bolton’s Bench Fire Latest News: Road Closures
The A31 dual carriageway remains completely closed in both directions through the New Forest and is not expected to reopen until Thursday, 20 August 2026, at the earliest.
The closure extends westbound from the M27 Junction 2 (Ower) to the A338 (Ringwood), and eastbound from the A338 to the M27 Junction 1 (Cadnam). While firefighters have brought the perimeter of the 165-acre wildfire under control, the road cannot be opened due to severe infrastructure damage.
Bolton’s Bench Fire Latest News: Current Road Status & Damage
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A31 Main Route: Closed entirely. Extensive repairs are required, including resurfacing the heat-damaged road, replacing several hundred metres of safety barriers, and installing 1,000 metres of wooden boundary fencing to prevent free-roaming livestock from wandering onto the highway.
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Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive: Closed from the A35 junction.
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Bolderwood Road: Closed west of Emery Down (from the New Forest Inn junction).
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Forestry England Sites: Multiple local cycle networks and car parks along these routes are entirely closed to the public.
Bolton’s Bench Fire Latest News: Official Diversion
For Westbound Traffic, exit the M27 at Junction 2 onto the A326, then take the A35 southbound straight through Lyndhurst, Ashurst, Christchurch, and onto the A338.
Bolton’s Bench Fire Latest News: Traffic Impact
This diversion has caused massive gridlock and traffic surges up to 80% through the centre of Lyndhurst. Expect severe delays and allow significant extra travel time.
