Emergency roadworks are taking place today in Shaftesbury after a crane fire damaged the road. 

Crews were called to a fire on a 79-tonne crane, on the A350 at Bozley Hill near Cann at the junction of Foot's Hill, at around 6:20pm yesterday evening. 

Two crews from Shaftesbury, as well as crews from Gillingham, Sturminster Newton and Sherborne, tackled the flames. 

Environental services from Gillingham also had to attend the blaze as a ruptured fuel tank caused a large fuel spillage as a result of the incident.

The fuel caused serious damage to the tarmac on the road.

Crews used breathing apparatus, hose reel jets and compressed air foam to extinguish the fire. 

Police were called to control traffic in the area. 

Police confirmed the fire is not being treated as suspicious. 

The road is closed between the Royal Chase Roundabout and Foot’s Hill and is expected to reopen later this afternoon following the recovery of the crane.

Road closures are also currently in place on the C13 at Spread Eagle Hill following a collision involving two lorries at around 1pm today.

It is not believed that anyone was seriously injured in the collision and recovery is currently being arranged for the vehicles.

The road closures mean there is currently no direct road access between Shaftesbury and Blandford.

Motorists are being advised to avoid the area.

Crews extinguished the blaze by 8:25pm but the road is still closed both ways between the A30 at Christy's Lane and the B3901 at Salisbury and Foot's Hill. 

The road is expected to remain closed until at least early afternoon today.

The recovery vehicle that is on scene to collect the crane is too large for the road, so smaller recovery vehicles are attempting to get the crane up the hill.  

A diversion route is in place from Blandford to Shaftesbury along the Higher Shaftesbury road/B3081 running parallel with the A350 while the road is resurfaced.