Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

De Lank Quarry, near St Breward at 24/10/2007 12:33

Following a report of an acetylene cylinder leaking, firefighters from Bodmin were mobilised.

The cylinder had fallen over and the contents, which are extremely flammable, were leaking in a workshop. The site had been evacuated and the fire crew set up a 200 metre exclusion zone around the workshop. The electrics to the site were isolated and any ignition sources, which might ignite the leaking gas were identified. A heater and a generator in the building could not be isolated and presented a great risk of igniting the gas.

Further crews were requested and more firefighters from Bodmin, Wadebridge and Newquay were sent. These extra resources would be needed if an explosion occurred.

Update at 1420hrs - All ignition sources have been removed or isolated. Advice has been received from specialists and the cylinder is being allowed to empty.

Update 1715hrs - Acetylene levels are now falling. Two crews from Bodmin remain on scene monitoring the atmosphere.

Update 2300 hrs - One crew from Delabole are in attendance monitoring the ongoing situation.

Update 0245 hrs. - One crew from Wadebridge have relieved the Delabole crew and are continuing to monitor the situation.