Firefighters from Fordingbridge who were among the first crews to reach the New Forest wildfire on 9 August have described the "apocalyptic" scene as flames spread from a burning van on the A31 and tore through ancient woodland and heathland. The blaze, which destroyed more than 100 hectares of oak, beech and rare habitat, was declared a major incident, drawing crews from neighbouring counties and prompting a huge, sustained firefighting effort during heatwave conditions.

Retained firefighter Matt O'Hare, 27, recalled reaching the scene through stopped traffic and a huge smoke plume before facing hours of gruelling work, then returning to a separate full-time job. About 130 firefighters were on scene at the peak, with crews remaining for two weeks before the incident was fully stood down. Watch manager Shaun Lincoln, 59, called it the largest fire of his 21-year career, crediting adrenaline and community spirit for getting crews through, and both men described being moved by local residents' gratitude, including cards, cakes and hydration drinks left at Fordingbridge Fire Station.