Multi-Agency Effort Extinguishes Peat Fire Near Hale Purlieu
Firefighters from Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire have brought a significant woodland fire under control near Hale Purlieu in the New Forest. The blaze affected 2,400 square meters of difficult terrain and required a two-day operation to manage deep-seated peat hotspots.
Key takeaways
- A two-day firefighting operation extinguished a 2,400 square meter fire near Hale Purlieu.
- The fire was deep-seated in peat and undergrowth, requiring specialized equipment and water dams.
- National Grid has taken over site monitoring due to the proximity of electrical pylons, though power supply was not interrupted.
What Happened
Emergency services responded to a woodland fire near Hale Purlieu in the New Forest on Saturday, August 8, at approximately 2:30 pm. More than 50 firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze, which spanned an area of roughly 30 metres by 80 metres (2,400 square meters) involving trees, scrubland, and deep-seated peat. Operations were initially hampered by the hillside terrain, requiring crews to use saws to clear vegetation and gain access to the site.
Firefighting efforts continued through Sunday, August 9. Crews utilized seven water jets and multiple beaters over a six-hour period on the second day to reach a "stop message" by 2:00 pm. To overcome water supply difficulties at the remote location, the fire service employed portable water dams and carriers to ferry water from local hydrants.
Background
The fire originated near a public footpath and a section of overhead electricity lines where National Grid and contractor Balfour Beatty had been conducting works. Although the fire started in the vicinity of an electrical pylon, the National Grid reported that electricity supplies remained unaffected during the incident. The specific cause of the ignition has not yet been determined due to the scale and location of the fire.
Key Facts
- The incident involved crews from Fordingbridge, Burley, Totton, Redbridge, Ringwood, St Mary’s, Hightown, Romsey, Eastleigh, and Beaulieu, with support from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services.
- Firefighting operations were scaled back overnight on Saturday due to reduced visibility and hazardous terrain before resuming at first light on Sunday.
- National Grid assumed control of the site on Sunday afternoon to conduct regular fire patrols near the infrastructure.
- Water supply was managed through the use of "blow-up" style water dams to provide a continuous source for fire appliances.
What Happens Next
While the main fire has been extinguished, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service scheduled a follow-up inspection by one fire engine for Sunday evening. National Grid will maintain monitoring of the area, particularly the section beneath the overhead lines, to ensure there are no secondary ignitions.
Sources reviewed
Primary source: hantsfire.gov.uk
Additional reporting reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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