Garage fire in Ash Green sparks fears of a gas explosion

[dutchman]

Dozens of homes have been evacuated after a fire in Ash Green sparked fears of a gas explosion.



Police have closed off roads near the fire in Newland Lane with emergency services on hand at nearby Ash Green School, where families are being taken to.

The garage site contains a number of flammable gas canisters.

Warwickshire Fire Service said the private garage was "well alight" and three fire engines from Nuneaton, Bedworth and Coleshill attended at 3.30pm.

New Road is blocked off from Keresley Village to the junction with Royal Oak Lane and Ash Green Lane.

UPDATE: Warwickshire Fire Service said the fire was 80 per cent out at 6.30pm but crews expect to remain for most of the night until gas canisters cool to safe levels.

Properties in Newland Lane, New Road, High View Drive, Corley View and Ash Grove have all been evacuated. It is not known when families will return to their homes.

UPDATE: Warwickshire Police is appealing for information on residents who are ill or infirm, living in the area. Call 101 with any information.

Inspector Andy Reynolds said "We would like to thank the public for their cooperation and this has enabled officers to very swiftly evacuate local residents and visitors from the area.

"We would ask the public to please stay away from the area whilst the fire is being dealt with."

A Warwickshire Fire Service spokeswoman said: "Warwickshire Police were called to help with the evacuation of local residents and scene safety was implemented by the police and fire and rescue service.

"We will be on site cooling the cylinders all night."