A fire service has explained why smoke can be smelt across the county.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are continuing to battle a major fire on the A31 in the New Forest.
The fire broke out on Sunday night, August 9, after a van fire spread to the central reservation before progressing into nearby heathland.
The A31 remains closed with National Highways saying that repairs needed to “significant” damage to the road surface, safety barriers and boundary fencing can only start once the fire is safely under control.
Yesterday, August 10, many people across Sussex reported seeing and smelling smoke.
However, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed this is due to the direction of winds blowing smoke from the incident in Dorset.
In a statement posted on social media, it said: "Our colleagues from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are dealing with a significant fire in the New Forest.
"Due to the direction of the wind, residents across Sussex may have seen and smelt the smoke from this incident.
"With record temperatures and prolonged dry weather, the risk of wildfires is higher than ever across our countryside and green spaces."
It also issued advice on how the public can reduce the risk of accidentally starting a fire.
This includes leaving disposable barbecues to cool completely, fully extinguishing cigarettes, keeping glass bottles and reflective objects out of direct sunlight, and taking litter home.
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Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have been assisted by neighbouring services to tackle the blaze.
On Sunday, August 10, crews from Chichester were on standby to cover in Havant due to Hampshire fire service resources being diverted to the major blaze.
Gillie Molland, lead ranger for the New Forest National Park Authority, said that the affected area included protected lowland heathland which is home to “many nationally and internationally rare species – including all six of the UK’s reptiles, insects, plants and birds such as Dartford warblers and nightjar”.
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