LIVE: Latest fire and rail updates across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex - Updated 18:41- 15/08/26

LIVE (refresh) This page will track the latest fire-service updates as well as incidents on the rails, providing essential advice from the emergency services to help people stay safe.

Latest information as of 18:41 on Saturday, 15 August:

Hampshire

New Forest wildfire: The latest Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service update was issued at 12:15 today.

The wildfire beside the A31 is fully surrounded, but firefighters expect to remain at the scene for several days while they damp down the land and extinguish hotspots.

Around 1.6 square kilometres have been affected. Since the fire began, 169 appliances from 93 fire stations have attended, with crews spending almost 10,000 hours dealing with the incident.

Pedestrians and cyclists must not enter the operational area, which includes Backley Enclosure, Soarley Beeches, Stirking Edge Wood, Bratley Wood and Sandy Ridge. Hotspots may not be visible from a distance.

The A31 remains closed westbound between M27 junction 2 at Ower and the A338 at Ringwood, and eastbound between the A338 and M27 junction 1 at Cadnam.

National Highways expects the closure to remain in place until at least Thursday, 20 August. Significant repairs are required, including resurfacing and the replacement of safety barriers and at least 1,000 metres of fencing.

Drivers should follow official diversions, ignore satnav instructions and allow extra time. Residents should keep windows and doors closed if smoke affects their homes.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has published official video footage explaining how crews are tackling hotspots.

Video source: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

Hampshire railway network: No new significant railway incident in Hampshire at the time of this update. Passengers should continue checking their individual journeys before travelling.

West Sussex

Ford: The latest confirmed update from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was issued at 09:33 today.

Crews remained at the waste-transfer station in Ford Road, where a large amount of waste caught fire inside an industrial building on Friday.

Eight fire engines and a water carrier were originally sent to the incident. Firefighters worked with the site owner and the Environment Agency to allow the waste to burn under controlled conditions.

The operation was scaled down after the smoke plume reduced. However, the latest update said smoke was still coming from the site. No subsequent completion notice has been published.

People should continue to avoid the area. Nearby residents should close their windows and doors if affected by smoke.

Gatwick Airport railway services: National Rail’s latest update was issued at 17:31 today following a safety inspection of the track between Gatwick Airport and Shalford.

All lines remain blocked, affecting Great Western Railway services between Gatwick Airport and Reading. Trains are operating only between Shalford and Reading, with disruption expected until the end of today.

Rail-replacement transport has been requested. Tickets are being accepted on reasonable alternative routes operated by South Western Railway, Southern and Thameslink.

East Sussex

No new major active fire has been publicly listed by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

Little Horsted: Three fields and an area of woodland were affected near Bradfords Lane on Thursday.

Six fire engines, a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a water carrier attended, supported by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. There were no reported injuries.

The latest incident update was issued at 19:00 on Thursday, when most resources had left after crews damped down hotspots and inspected the site.

Ringmer: A fire affecting two fields and a hedge near Norlington Lane was extinguished at 16:17 on Thursday. The incident was declared closed in an update issued at 16:30.

Lewes rail derailment: The latest British Transport Police statement was issued at 13:09 on Friday.

More than 100 passengers were safely evacuated. Two people suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and remained in hospital at the time of that update, while another 18 people had been discharged.

All lines between Lewes and Haywards Heath remain closed while investigations, detailed assessments and repairs continue. National Rail’s latest update was issued at 11:36 today and said disruption would continue until further notice.

Rail-replacement buses are operating between Lewes and Haywards Heath, calling at Cooksbridge and Plumpton. Capacity is extremely limited, and passengers should allow at least 60 additional minutes.

No further derailment has been publicly confirmed across Hampshire, West Sussex or East Sussex.

Polegate landslip: National Rail’s latest update was issued at 16:02 today.

All lines remain blocked between Polegate and Eastbourne after a landslip was reported at 15:31 on Friday. Specialist Network Rail teams are repairing the track and surrounding embankment.

The full closure is expected to remain in place until at least Monday, 17 August. No specific cause has been confirmed.

Rail-replacement buses are operating between Polegate and Eastbourne, but passengers are being warned that services are very busy and queues are possible.

Passengers travelling to Eastbourne Airbourne should travel through Brighton, continue by train to Polegate and transfer to a replacement bus. Up to 60 additional minutes should be allowed.

Uckfield railway line: National Rail issued a new update at 18:10 today.

Urgent track repairs mean no trains can operate between Oxted and Uckfield until at least 08:00 on Tuesday, 18 August.

A very limited replacement-bus service is operating today. Hourly buses are being arranged for Sunday between Oxted and Crowborough and between Crowborough and Uckfield.

Southern is still developing travel arrangements for Monday. Passengers should allow at least 60 additional minutes and consider travelling through Tunbridge Wells or Edenbridge.

How to stay safe

Do not light bonfires or campfires while conditions remain exceptionally dry.

Avoid using barbecues in the countryside, parks, woodland or other open spaces.

Make sure cigarettes and other smoking materials are fully extinguished.

Take bottles, glass and other litter home because sunlight passing through glass can start fires.

Do not park vehicles on dry grass because hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation.

If you encounter a wildfire, move to a safe location well away from the flames and smoke.

Call 999 immediately if you see a fire. Give a precise location, including an access point or what3words location if available.

Do not attempt to tackle a wildfire yourself.

Keep windows and doors closed if smoke is affecting your home.

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