Moors Valley Country Park, near Ringwood, reopens after around 80 firefighters battled large woodland blaze

MOORS Valley Country Park has reopened to the public this morning (Tuesday) after firefighters spent hours battling a large woodland blaze.

As reported by the A&T, around 80 firefighters from more than 20 stations across Hampshire and Dorset responded as flames engulfed an area of pine woodland measuring 400 metres by 500 metres at the leisure site near Ringwood yesterday.

The alarm was raised shortly before midday, and people were urged to avoid the area, although the site’s main visitor area initially remained open.

However, its closure was confirmed around 4pm, remaining in place for the rest of the day. Verwood Road had also been shut to allow access for emergency vehicles.

Crews were said to have been damping down the affected area around 3.50pm, and the incident was scaled down with relief personnel taking over nearly two hours later.

All firefighters finally left the scene around 8pm, leaving Forestry England teams to monitor it overnight, and the road closure was lifted.

A Ringwood crew returned this morning to reinspect and check for hot spots.

No details on the cause were available, but Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service urged people to take extra care amid a current amber wildfire alert.

A spokesperson said: “Pictures from the scene show the damaged woodland which the fire has left behind.

“This is an important reminder to always follow the countryside code and our top safety tips when out enjoying our beautiful wildlife areas.”

The reopening of Moors Valley to the public was announced via the attraction’s social media around 9.45am today.

The post said: “Our team have been busy assessing the impact of yesterday’s fire incident.

“Around 10 hectares of woodland has been impacted.

“The rangers are continuing to monitor the area closely. We are asking visitors to stick to the main paths and avoid entering the affected woodland areas.

“Please note, section 6 of the singletrack is temporarily closed. Thank you for your support.”

Wildfire prevention guidance can be found online at hantsfire.gov.uk/safety/safety-outdoors/in-the-countryside