Police slam drivers blocking New Forest access gates as fire crews respond to emergencies

“EVERY second counts.” This was the message as police slammed drivers obstructing New Forest access gates while emergency crews rush to tackle wildfires.

The warning from Ringwood officers came towards the end of the latest heatwave, which led to an amber Met Office extreme heat alert and exceptionally high demand for firefighters.

The New Forest was also among the areas for which a drought was officially declared last Friday.

One image shared in the police Facebook post showed a van found blocking access gates when multiple crews responded to an arson attack at Fawley Inclosure.

As reported in the A&T, the incident on 7th August resulted in signs having to be added to the gates.

“In an emergency every second counts,” the police Facebook post said.

“All too often ambulance, police, fire and rescue are delayed due to inconsiderate parking.

“Blocking access gates and obstructing roads puts lives in danger and prevents emergency services getting to the scene promptly.

“In this high-risk fire season, the person who parks irresponsibly, preventing access, is as responsible for the destruction caused as those whose reckless behaviour or use of disposable barbecues starts the fire which results in death of wildlife and habitat loss.”

Officers vowed to work with other New Forest neighbourhood teams and colleagues at Forestry England and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to reduce risk and target those responsible.

Stressing all the district’s firefighters are retained volunteers, the post warned delayed response led to larger blazes that could kill animals and habitat.

This would then require more resources, which could endanger lives by reducing coverage for other incidents in the home or on the road.

Ringwood fire crew took to Twitter to hit out at motorists who followed one of their engines through heavy traffic on the A31 as it responded to an emergency on Saturday night.

“This is not only extremely dangerous but illegal!” the tweet said.

“Do not follow any emergency vehicle through traffic.”

Bonfires, barbecues and campfires continue to be banned in the New Forest.

Anyone with information about people starting fires can contact Hampshire police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Those with friends or loved ones who have a fascination with fire can find guidance online at bit.ly/3K0Y2ey

Countryside fire prevention tips can be found at bit.ly/3bSrXsM