Fears over cylinders in sheds blaze

Several homes in Telford had to be evacuated early today after a blaze destroyed two sheds containing gas cylinders.

Flames reaching up to 20ft high could be seen leaping from the fire which broke out in Dawley shortly after 3am.

Sub-officer Guy Williams, from Tweedale fire station, said about nine people in Westerdale Close were forced to leave five properties after concerns over the gas cylinders.

He added the fire had started in one shed and spread to the adjacent one and that the gas cylinders had caused "quite a good firework display".

"We moved people away from the properties until we could get water to the cylinders," he said. "We then advised people to stay inside their properties away from the windows."

Sub-officer Williams said the blaze had been spotted by a neighbour.

"I'm not sure if they heard it before they saw it," he said.

He said smaller gas cylinders were also "popping".

The fire went through the one shed very quickly and destroyed the adjoining shed.

The cause is being investigated and police have also been informed.