Milborne St Andrew: Car fire in garage full of flammable gas

A car caught fire whilst welding work was being carried out in a domestic garage on Hopsfield in Milborne St Andrew.

Four fire crews tackled the blaze for around four hours and a 200m cordon was put in place as residents of nearby properties were evacuated.

Residents were evacuated as four fire crews tackle a car and garage fire in Milborne St Andrew (Image: Lottie Jarvis)

The car was in a garage which contained acetylene and other cylinders used for welding.

Acetylene is an extremely flammable gas and cylinders can explode if they get hot enough, which led to the cordon being set up by firefighters.

Residents were evacuated to the village hall and pub - The Royal Oak.

No injuries were reported.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said: "We were called to Hopsfield, Milborne St Andrew at 7.12pm last night (December 19) for a fire involving a detached domestic garage.

"Four fire crews attended, from Blandford, Dorchester, Poole and Maiden Newton, with relief crews coming from Wimborne and Wareham.

"When crews got in attendance the car was situated within a garage which contained acetylene and other cylinders used for welding.

"A 200m cordon was put in place and we extend our thanks to the local community in complying with evacuating their properties.

"By 11.28pm, the fire was extinguished, the cylinders had been cooled and moved to safety, and the residents had been allowed back home.

"The fire started accidentally after welding work was carried out on a vehicle within the garage."

Crews tackled the blaze for over four hours (Image: Lottie Jarvis)

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 5.34pm on Tuesday, December 19, of a vehicle fire in a garage at Hopsfield in Milborne St Andrew.

"Officers attended to assist, with road closures put in place and residents of neighbouring properties evacuated as a precaution due to the reported presence of gas cylinders in the garage.

"An update was received that the fire had been extinguished and the cordon was lifted at around 9.45pm."

Four fire crews tackled the fire for over four hours (Image: Lottie Jarvis)

Milborne St Andrew resident Lottie Jarvis said: "I ran down the road with my children as they wanted to see the fire engines.

"We could see the fire from our back garden as it's pretty close only a garden and road between us.

"We all got evacuated in a 200m radius of the fire as it was dangerous because of the gas bottles/cylinders.

"We were all evacuated to the local village hall and pub until was safe at around 10.30pm.

"All of the fire and police crews were excellent."