Residents from homes bordering an allotment site were evacuated on Sunday evening after a fire broke out.
About 100 properties in Dunston, Gateshead, were evacuated amid fears acetylene cylinders at the scene could explode.
A cordon was thrown around the allotment site and nearby Wellington Road and Dunston Road were closed off as a precaution.
Evacuation centres were set up nearby, although residents were later allowed back to their homes after the cyclinders were examined and found to be safe.
A police presence was continuing in the area over night for public reassurance, said a police spokesman.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here