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Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk
Warning Issued Following 999 Calls Reporting Explosion
Between St Stephen and Grampound Road, near St Austell at 27/09/2011 20:07
Two fire appliances from St Dennis attended reports of a very loud explosion and large fire in the area between St Stephen and Grampound Road, near St Austell. One caller stated that the explosion had shaken their house and that they were about a quarter of a mile away from the fire.
The fire crews soon located a bonfire in a field and, on further investigation, a 13.5kg gas cylinder was found to be the cause of the explosion. It appears that those supervising the bonfire were unaware that the empty gas cylinder was in an old horse box being burnt.
The fire officers that attended were surprised to find that no-one had been injured in the explosion and urge anyone having a bonfire to be aware that even empty gas cylinders or aerosol cans can explode with considerable force, causing extensive damage and injury, potentially with fatal consequences.
Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=7258
Date Posted: 27/09/2011