Understand
New Forest wildfire estimated to have cost fire service £600,000
Overview
A record-breaking wildfire in the New Forest, which destroyed over one square kilometre of land after spreading from a burning van on 9 August, is estimated to have cost Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority approximately £600,000 in additional expenses.
Key points
- The wildfire destroyed more than 1 sq km (247 acres) of the New Forest after starting from a blazing van on 9 August.
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority stated the incident was the largest in the brigade's history.
- The blaze required about 5,500 hours of firefighter time.
- The fire led to the closure of the A31 between Hampshire and Dorset for nearly two weeks.
- The fire authority has asked the government to help cover some of the response costs.