Overview
- The Bagshot Moor heathland fire, reported at about 5pm Saturday, was brought under control by 7:30pm and declared out around 8pm.
- About 40 firefighters from Hampshire and Isle of Wight stations, with support from Dorset and Wiltshire, contained the blaze within a few hours.
- Officials gave differing size estimates, with HIWFRS citing about 15 hectares scorched and Forestry England later putting the affected area near the former RAF Beaulieu at around four hectares.
- Thick smoke led officials to urge residents to keep windows and doors shut, and plumes were reported as visible from the Isle of Wight and Swanage.
- Forestry England said the cause is unknown and warned the fire likely harmed ground‑nesting birds and reptiles, urging visitors to avoid barbecues and any fires, which are banned in the New Forest.