A LARGE caravan fire has closed a section of the A31, causing major delays for motorists in the area.

Firefighters are currently working to extinguish a large vehicle fire involving a caravan near St Leonards.

 The road is closed between the Azalea roundabout and the Boundary Lane roundabout while emergency services deal with the incident.

Four fire engines are at the scene with support from Dorset Police.

A spokesperson for DWFRS said: “We were called at 12.58pm today (26 September) to A31 Ringwood to reports of a caravan on fire.

“Two crews from Redhill Park and Springbourne attended where two breathing apparatus wearers are using two hose reel jets to extinguish.

“Two propane cylinders have also been vented and made safe.

“The road is currently closed in both directions between Boundary Roundabout and Azalea Roundabout and we are advising road users to avoid the area.

“The stop has come in at 1.36pm but we are still on scene dealing with the incident.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “At 1pm on Thursday 26 September 2024, Dorset Police received a report of a caravan on fire on the A31 Ringwood Road near St Leonards.

“Officers are currently in attendance with the fire service and local authority.

“The road is currently closed between the Azalea roundabout and the Boundary Lane roundabout.

“There are currently no reports of any injuries."