Firefighters are spending a sixth day tackling a wildfire in the New Forest, Hampshire, which broke out on Sunday
Temperatures are forecast to reach 31C again as crews work to contain the blaze for a sixth day
The fire service describes the heat as "blistering" and says the wind has proved challenging
The A31 will be closed until at least Thursday 20 August, National Highways says
An area the size of about 230 football pitches has been affected - but has not grown since yesterday
The fire service says the perimeter of the blaze is under control
Drivers on surrounding roads are being warned to be careful as smoke continues to rise from the ground
The blaze began when a van caught fire on the A31 and 23 drivers had to abandon their vehicles as the fire took hold
That's the end of our live coverage following the efforts to tackle the wildfire in the New Forest National Park this week. Thank you for joining us.
The BBC will continue to monitor this story for you across the weekend. Catch our latest updates here.
Julia Abbott looks back on a challenging week for fire crews and residents of the New Forest.
Hardley Wintney Fire Station has released this footage, external of the damage caused to the landscape of the New Forest following two deployments there yesterday.
"The scale of the incident is devastating, and every crew deployed there throughout the week has worked incredibly hard to contain the fire and prevent further spread," it said in a statement to its social media followers.
"It’s been a demanding stretch for every station and responder involved. The commitment from all crews remains unwavering, and your support genuinely lifts spirits"
Firefighters in Dorset, who have been attending the New Forest wildfire alongside their Hampshire colleagues, have not been issued with the same lightweight personal protective equipment (PPE).
BBC South environment correspondent Jon Cuthill has been taking a closer look at the difference.
Image source, HIOWFRSHampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service continues to battle the large New Forest wildfire, but it has put out a statement regarding the sheer number of fires it's having to deal with across the county, and their suspected origins.
"We have responded to a large number of outdoor fires over the past few weeks, with a significant number caused by young people carelessly leaving lit campfires, or were deliberately set to cause damage," it stated.
"Our prevention teams are patrolling certain arson hotspots, and police are also patrolling these areas, but we ask that parents also speak to their children and encourage them to avoid setting fires and follow our guidance, external this summer."
Image source, Visit HampshireVisit Hampshire, the official tourism website for the county, is keen to remind visitors that the New Forest “remains open”, external.
It said while the fire was "understandably causing concern" the New Forest covered a "vast area" and that "many parts" of the National Park and surrounding area were accessible.
It added: “Many attractions, villages and businesses away from the affected area continue to welcome visitors, so there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a day out or short break while supporting the local tourism economy.
It advised people check the latest travel information before setting off because of the road closures.
Image source, Andrew Matthews/PAThe fire service has called off events it had planned for the weekend.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service says it has made the decision so it can focus resources on the New Forest fire, maintain emergency cover across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and reduce unnecessary traffic in affected areas.
The fire service said: "This decision has not been taken lightly, but our priority must be ensuring our firefighters and resources are available where they are needed most."
The events cancelled on Saturday are the Romsey fire station open day and the Ringwood 999 day. Both are due to set new dates.
Image source, PA MediaPrime Minister Andy Burnham, whose government has today issued a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, has told the BBC: "Britain is a tinderbox right now."
The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade said disposable barbecues had been the cause of "a number of serious wildfires across the country over the summer months".
The PM said: "We've got 37 fires across England and Wales right now, four of them are major incidents."
Burnham (seen here speaking to emergency responders during a visit to Stourbridge) said they were not all linked to disposable barbecues but "it's probable that some of them have been caused in that way".
Image source, Hardley Fire StationHampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service has provided us with information regarding a new isolated fire at Bolton's Bench in the New Forest.
"At around midday today crews from Beaulieu and Redbridge fire stations were called to deal with a large fire on Beaulieu Road in Lyndhurst," it said.
"Crews used four hose reel jets, four main jets and one ultra-high-pressure lance to extinguish the fire which involved around one acre of gorse."
We're told crews left the scene at 13:23 BST.
Our reporter at the scene Allen Sinclair has been telling BBC South Today’s Sarah Farmer about the effect of the wildfire on local businesses.
“Shops, visitor attractions, restaurants, cafes, pubs – during this crisis they’ve taken a huge hit,” he explained.
Image source, Getty ImagesHampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service has continued to appeal to people not to use disposable barbecues in the countryside as its crews have fought the New Forest fire.
In the wake of this and several other incidents across the UK, the government has just issued a temporary ban on their sale.
It said they pose a "significant risk to the public" due to the heatwave conditions, according to guidelines published online, external.
The advice says: "They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
"These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks."
It's the sixth day of fire crews battling the wildfire in the New Forest.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service firefighters have been tackling the fire day and night to stop further spread.
It's expected to maintain a large presence in the area into the weekend.
Image source, HIOWFRS
Image source, HIOWFRS
Image source, HIOWFRS
Image source, HIOWFRS
Image source, HIOWFRS
Image source, HIWFRSThe latest fire service statement says the wind is an ongoing challenge "with smoke drifting throughout the area".
"So if residents are affected we advise them to close doors and windows," it says.
"We appreciate the support and patience of local residents who have been impacted by the specialist hose delivering water to the scene from Highwood Lakes.
"We thank everyone for their patience while the A31 remains closed, the closure is needed to ensure fire crews and other responders can access the scene safely.
"We ask that you continue to follow the latest National Highways diversion route guidance.
"Our crews have been battling this fire since Sunday, working incredibly hard in the blistering heat and with another hot weekend on the horizon, we ask that you all do your bit to help prevent outdoor fires in the countryside, but also in our towns and cities."
We've just had an update from the fire service in the last few minutes suggesting the fire has not spread further.
It says firefighters are working in very hot and challenging conditions focusing their efforts around the perimeter of the fire, which spans about 1.6 sq km (395 acres) - the same size as reported yesterday.
"Our firefighters are working in hot and arduous conditions and our control room teams are working to rotate crews to ensure they all receive time to rest and recover away from the incident ground," it says.
The update adds that crews from Hampshire are being supported by firefighters from other areas, and that the fire has been split into three sections, with firefighters in each tackling flare-ups.
Traffic is growing heavy in and around the New Forest as motorists use alternative routes to bypass the fire.
There are queues on the A35 in both directions in the Lyndhurst area.
Further north, there are also delays on Southampton Road near Fordingbridge.
The A31 is usually heavily congested on a normal summer Friday, and its closure is expected to quickly increase traffic on surrounding roads.
Image source, New Forest - Forestry EnglandPeople are being asked not to leave food or water out for the ponies or other livestock in the New Forest.
The New Forest Commoners Defence Association says: "We understand everyone’s concerns for the forest’s animals because of the wildfire near Ringwood and this sustained period of hot weather, however, please leave them alone.
"The ponies are well adapted to the forest, and the older mares have a good knowledge of water and food sources and will lead the herds to the right spots."
It adds: "There is currently a risk of equine flu, so please do not leave out food or water, as this encourages animals to gather together."
Petting or feeding New Forest ponies and donkeys can result in a fine.
Local officials and groups charged with protecting the animals regularly check on their welfare. People are asked to contact the Verderers of the New Forest office if they spot a pony, cow or donkey that is injured, unwell or distressed.
The closure of the A31 in the New Forest is likely to have a significant knock-on effect to traffic in other areas ahead of the weekend.
The dual carriageway often becomes gridlocked on Friday afternoons, especially ahead of a sunny forecast for the days ahead.
Thousands typically head west through the New Forest to get to beaches and attractions in Bournemouth, Poole and beyond.
But with the key road shut until at least next Thursday, the authorities have warned motorists about likely delays on the diversion routes.
They have also said people should only travel in the affected area if necessary because of the ongoing firefighting situation and smoke.
Image source, NFDCLitter clearance along the stretch of closed A31 following the heathland fire has filled five vans.
New Forest District Council says the litter was uncovered yesterday as vegetation was cut back along the roadside to create safer working conditions and firebreaks.
The council says the clean-up was carried out by hand due to the risk of equipment causing sparks "because of the dry ground and the continuing risk of fire".
The leader of Hampshire County Council has praised firefighters for their tireless work "in such hot, dangerous and exhausting conditions."
Posting on social media, Nick Adams-King says he wants to "express my heartfelt gratitude to every firefighter."
He says: "My sincere thanks also go to the police, ambulance service, National Highways, Forestry England, local councils, neighbouring fire services, specialist teams and all the volunteers and community organisations providing food, refreshments, equipment and practical assistance.
"Their dedication and cooperation are helping to protect lives, wildlife, homes and our precious New Forest."
Urging people to heed all closures and to keep roads, tracks, gates and access routes clear, he adds: "Do not visit the area to watch, take photographs or offer unsolicited assistance."