The A2 was closed in both directions after a van caught fire in Blackfen this afternoon.

The incident happened at around 3.25pm and one fire engine from Eltham attended the scene on the westbound carriageway by the Danson Interchange.

Traffic was stopped on both sides while firefighters brought the blaze under control.

The van had a gas canister on board which is why police established a hazard zone across both carriegeways.

Fire crews managed to cool the cylinder down to prevent it from exploding and after an hour and a half the fire was out by 4.48pm. 

Both carriegeways are now open again though congestion was back to Dartford Heath westbound at its worst. 

It is not yet clear what started the fire. 

Westwood Lane at the junction with Groombridge Close and Blackfen Road were also temporarily closed to traffic immediately following the incident. 

Follow the incident on our traffic feed. 

This Is Local London: Pic from Twitter by @nocturnalLee

Pic from Twitter by @nocturnalLee

This Is Local London: Image by Transport for London.

Image by Transport for London.

This Is Local London:

Pic from Twitter by @Ben_Geoghegan

This Is Local London:

Pic from Twitter by @juggs_xx