Last month’s wildfire in the New Forest was a sobering reminder of how quickly an emergency can develop, and of the immense damage fire can cause to one of our most precious landscapes.

More than 100 hectares of internationally important heathland were affected. Habitats, wildlife and ancient trees have been lost, while residents, businesses and motorists endured almost two weeks of disruption as the A31 remained closed.

The environmental recovery will take many years. Yet, amid that devastation, the response has shown Hampshire at its very best.

First and foremost, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters worked around the clock in exceptionally hot weather, difficult terrain and changing winds. They faced limited access, challenges maintaining water supplies and the particular danger of fire smouldering unseen beneath peat soils.

They were supported by fire crews and wildfire specialists from across the country, while colleagues maintained emergency cover elsewhere in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Their professionalism, courage and sheer endurance prevented a grave incident from becoming even worse.

That effort extended far beyond the fire ground. Police provided drones to help identify hotspots. Forestry England staff worked to protect the forest, rescue surviving wildlife and begin assessing the enormous task of recovery.

National Highways teams carried out extensive repairs, resurfacing the road, replacing safety barriers and installing 1,500 metres of fencing before the A31 could safely reopen.

Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council, the National Park Authority and other public bodies worked alongside the emergency services to coordinate the response, support affected communities and distribute clear, accurate information.

Just as impressive was the response from the Hampshire community.

Residents showed patience and understanding despite considerable disruption. Commoners, local businesses, volunteers and community organisations supported those working at the scene. People shared official updates, respected cordons and helped safety messages reach thousands of others.

The wider public also played its part. Most motorists followed the formal diversions, despite the additional time involved, and many people changed their plans to avoid the operational area. That cooperation mattered. It kept routes open for emergency vehicles, reduced risks to New Forest livestock and allowed responders to concentrate on bringing the fire under control.

There will, of course, be lessons to learn. Every major emergency should be reviewed carefully so that procedures can be strengthened and resilience improved.

The scale of the damage is also a powerful warning that all of us must take wildfire prevention seriously during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather.

But the clearest conclusion is reassuring. When Hampshire faces an emergency, we are very well served.

We have established procedures, excellent cooperation between agencies and dedicated public servants who know how to put those plans into action. We also have a well-informed, responsible and collaborative population who support our fantastic emergency service workers when it matters most.

The fire revealed the vulnerability of our landscape. It also revealed the strength, decency and resilience of Hampshire’s people.

*Cllr Nick Adams-King is the Leader of Hampshire County Council.