A van has been left badly damaged by a fire caused by lithium ion batteries.

At around 8.21 am, crews from Beaminster Fire Station and Dorchester were called to a large vehicle fire on Rampisham Hill, on the A356.

Two breathing apparatus wearers were deployed to deal with this incident along with hose reels and thermal imaging cameras.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: A large vehicle fire broke out on the A356

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Vehicle fire at Rampisham Hill on the A356

The Rampisham Hill area was currently closed to traffic as drivers were urged to find alternative routes.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said: "We were called to Rampisham Down at 8.07am this morning (31 July) for a fire involving a van.

Two crews attended, from Dorchester and Beaminster, and two breathing apparatus wearers used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

"It appears the fire was caused by some lithium ion batteries."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 8.21 am from the fire service of a vehicle fire on the A356 at Rampisham Down.

"Officers attended to assist with traffic management. Recovery was arranged and police left the scene shortly after 10.00 am."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Vehicle fire at Rampisham Hill on the A356

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Vehicle fire at Rampisham Hill on the A356