HOUSEHOLDERS had to be evacuated last night after an acetylene cylinder exploded while firefighters were attempting to cool it down.
The incident, at Blucher Terrace, Newcastle, was reported around 7.40pm. It originally involved a large garden shed, but spread to a nearby aviary, desttroying both. Although firefighters extinguished the blaze, the decision was taken to move six families out as other cylinders, containing oxygen and propane, were cooled down.
At 9.15pm the residents were allowed back into their homes.
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "It is understood the cause was accidental due to the equipment user lighting a cigarette which resulted in the initial acetylene explosion. No injuries were caused."
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