A FLAMMABLE cylinder is being monitored closely by firefighters following a blaze on a Portland industrial estate.

Fire crews are cooling off the area to prevent the acetylene cylinder from exploding in a workshop unit on the Tradecroft Industrial Estate in Weston.

The fire started in the back of a transit van parked in the workshop.

Two fire crews were called to the scene at 3.22pm and will be maintaining a 24 hour watch of the area.

Relief firefighters and retained firefighters are expected to take over from current crews later tonight.

A hazardous materials officer and a supervisory officer were also called to the scene.

A cordon has been set up 200 metres from the site of the blaze for safety reasons.