Firefighters prevented an explosion in Thatcham after a fire started in a shop containing extremely flammable cannisters.

Members of the public were reportedly evacuated from the area after a blaze broke out in the commercial property, where highly unstable Acetylene gas was stored, at 3.53pm yesterday (June 7).

Four fire crews from Berkshire worked for eight hours to extinguish the fire and cool the cylinders at the junction of Bath Road and Green Lane.

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Bath Road was closed in both directions while a cordon was set up, with the council providing support to those within the cordon and travellers being asked to avoid the area.

A spokesperson for West Berkshire Council said: “West Berks responded to the scene and worked closely with all the responding Blue Light services to help manage the impact of the fire in Thatcham.

“West Berks will continue to provide support to anyone whose been affected by the fire.”

Acetylene is an 'extremely flammable gas' and can form an explosive atmosphere in the presence of air or oxygen, according to the Health and Safety Executive.

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