A 100-metre exclusion zone is in place after a fire involving cylinders spread to a property leading to the closure of the A31 near Ferndown and residents to be evacuated. 

Around 34 firefighters have been tackling the blaze near Oakdene Forest Park in St Leonards this afternoon.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture from Trevor Bevins

The exclusion zone, which includes the affected property, will be in place until at least 6pm along with the road closure. 

Highways England said: "Drivers wishing to use the A31 near Ringwood in Hampshire are being warned to expect delays for some time due to a fire involving gas cannisters which has closed the road in both directions.

"A fire has broken out at a property next to the carriageway, and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service have advised that the fire involves a number of flammable canisters. Due to the nature of the fire, the A31 has been closed in both directions as a precaution while the fire is dealt with.

"The A31 is closed in both directions between the Azalea roundabout (Ferndown) and Boundary Lane roundabout (St Leonards). A fully signed diversion is in place from the Azalea roundabout continuing on the A31 and A348 and from the Boundary Lane roundabout travelling either on Boundary Lane or back northbound on the A31."

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture: Victoria Louise

Firefighters from Ferndown, Poole, Ringwood, Redhill, Springbourne and Wimborne were first called to the scene at 1.36pm.

They were called to reports of a tree alight after a bonfire got out of control, but the fire spread to a neighbouring property.

Residents within 100 metres of the property were evacuated and are safe.

There are no casualties.

The nearby NHS 11 building was also briefly evacuated before staff were able to return.

The fire has now been extinguished but the incident is ongoing. 

Smoke could be seen blowing over the road with residents instructed to keep their windows and doors closed.

Dorset Police said: "We are assisting Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue with road closures on both lanes of the A31 in East Dorset due to a fire near Oakdene Forest Park, St Leonards. Please avoid the area. Residents are asked to keep their doors and windows closed and stay inside."

In total, eight fire appliances attended.

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