ONE lane remains closed on the A31 this morning following a fire which sent smoke billowing across the dual carriageway yesterday afternoon.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture by Simon Rowley

Delays are likely due to the continued closure of one eastbound lane near St Leonards, between the A348 Ringwood Road and Boundary Lane.

Traffic was diverted and the road closed in both directions yesterday after a fire involving cylinders spread to an outbuilding near the road.

Residents had to be evacuated and more than 30 firefighters tackled the blaze, near Oakdene Forest Park.

A 100m exclusion zone was also put in place.