New Forest wildfire ‘will burn for days’ as UK braces for hottest summer on record

Firefighters are battling a large wildfire in the New Forest that is expected to keep spreading for several more days, authorities said Wednesday, as the UK faces what could be its hottest summer on record. The blaze has forced the closure of the A31, a key tourist route into the national park, where tens of thousands of families are on holiday. Thick smoke billowed over the deserted road late Tuesday as a helicopter dropped water on the flames. Crews at the scene said they were working to contain several hotspots across more than 100 hectares (247 acres) of dried heathland. Changing winds and extremely dry ground are making the fire difficult to control. Local residents have rallied to support firefighters, but experts warn the “real struggle” could last for days. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.