Fire service bosses have today said that a major disaster was averted in Tenbury Wells when a blaze broke out involving a petrol tanker.

Crews from the town dealt with the fire, which involved the front wheel and brakes of the vehicle yesterday, but said that if it had spread it could have led to an explosion.

The lorry driver had used a fire extinguisher to tackle the fire after stopping outside Tenbury Wells Fire Station at about noon.

The tanker had been delivering petrol to Swan Garage next door but stopped outside the fire station when the brake discs overheated.

David Friend, manager of the garage, said: “He was supposed to be unloading here but we would not allow him on the premises because we could have had the lot on fire.”

He said they tackled the blaze together with the driver and called the fire brigade.

“It could have been a major disaster but it was soon under control.

“It is very reassuring to know we have such a great team of fire officers. They do the local area a wonderful service.”

Fire station watch manager David James said today that the situation could have been far worse.

Initially, firefighters could not understand why the driver had pulled across the station’s forecourt blocking in the fire engines, said Mr James. Crews spent nearly an hour making sure the fire was put out.

Mr James added: “A major disaster was averted I will tell you. The brake discs overheated which in turn set light to the tyre.

“The driver used a fire extinguisher to put the flames out, but you don’t mess about with petrol tankers. It was actually outside the fire station. He was across the forecourt.”