45 Swanmore Homes Evacuated In Gas Cylinder Scare

6 March 2014, 06:50 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Around 45 homes have been evacuated in Swanmore in Hampshire after a gas cylinder caught fire at the back of a house.

Fire crews were called to Springvale just before 5pm last night (Wednesday 5 March). They put a 200 metre cordon in place as they were worried the cylinder could explode. Families were taken to the nearby village hall until it was safe to return to their homes.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said:

"At 4.17pm control operators were alerted to an incident in Springvale Swanmore. They immediately dispatched five appliances and a Special Equipment Unit. Appliances attending were from Bishops Waltham, Droxford, Wickham and Cosham.

"A large cylinder in the rear of a property was on fire, the cylinder once being identified as Acetylene, crews proceeded to place protective sprays in position.

"Then a phased evacuation of all the properties, that were considered at risk. None of the properties were involved in fire. The area evacuated was 200 metres, this meant approximately 45 homes had to be evacuated. The village community hall was opened to accommodate those evacuated.

"The incident was bought under control at 7.15pm.

"The cause of this incident has not been established, but an investigation will be carried out."