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Cylinder blaze at petrol station Cylinder blaze at petrol station
(41 minutes later)
Homes in an Oxfordshire village have been evacuated after a major blaze involving acetylene gas cylinders broke out at a petrol station. Homes in an Oxfordshire village were evacuated after an acetylene cylinder exploded, setting a garage alight.
The fire started at Sutton Courtenay Tyres in Sutton Courtenay at about 0700 GMT and people living nearby reported hearing a number of explosions.The fire started at Sutton Courtenay Tyres in Sutton Courtenay at about 0700 GMT and people living nearby reported hearing a number of explosions.
About 50 homes near the garage, at the junction of Milton Road, Harwell Road and the High Street, were evacuated. About 50 homes near the garage, at the junction of Milton Road, Harwell Road and the High Street, were evacuated but no-one was injured.
No-one is reported to have been injured and the cause is being investigated. The fire service and police are investigating the cause of the fire.
John Kelly, Oxfordshire County Council's emergency planning officer, said some residents may have to stay away from their homes for 24 hours while the acetylene gas cylinders are being cooled down. A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said: "An acetylene gas cylinder exploded and the entire building was on fire.
"A live main cable over the garage was brought down by the blaze."
Eight fire engines and 90 firefighters battled the flames, which were described by eyewitnesses as 40ft (12m) or 50ft (15m) high.
I thought it was someone shooting birds Heather Woodward, residentI thought it was someone shooting birds Heather Woodward, resident
He said the council would be arranging accommodation or transport for residents who need it. John Kelly, the council's emergency planning officer, said some residents may have to stay away from their homes for 24 hours while the other acetylene gas cylinders are being cooled down.
He said the council would be arranging accommodation or transport for residents staying with family elsewhere.
Heather Woodward, who lives in the lane opposite the petrol station, told BBC News: "I thought it was someone shooting birds.Heather Woodward, who lives in the lane opposite the petrol station, told BBC News: "I thought it was someone shooting birds.
"Then I thought 'it's a bit early for that' and when I opened the window I saw all this black smoke coming over.""Then I thought 'it's a bit early for that' and when I opened the window I saw all this black smoke coming over."
The village hall has been opened as a rest centre for residents who have been forced to leave their homes. The nearby village hall has been opened as a rest centre for residents who have been forced to leave their homes.
A 200-metre (220yds) exclusion zone has been set up and motorists are advised to avoid the area as some roads in the village have been closed.A 200-metre (220yds) exclusion zone has been set up and motorists are advised to avoid the area as some roads in the village have been closed.
Eight fire engines and 90 firefighters battled the flames, which were described by eyewitnesses as
Southern Electric said about 35 properties were without electricity but engineers might have to isolate more homes.Southern Electric said about 35 properties were without electricity but engineers might have to isolate more homes.