This picture was taken by local resident Jeannie MacMillan-Johnson shortly before she had to leave her home at about 2am. She was able to return at about 9.30am.

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3 April 2009

Ninety people have had to be evacuated from their homes because of a fire at a garage workshop in Waddesdon High Street.

A 150-metre cordon is in place around the incident because of the risk of acetylene cylinders exploding. People living closest to the fire - from High Street and Baker Street - were initially taken to Waddesdon Fire Station for safety. Many are now being put up by friends and relatives.

British Red Cross volunteers have been offering help from their Fire and Emergency Support Service vehicle, which has been brought in from Bletchley Fire Station.

The A41 had to be closed for six hours between the Quainton crossroads in Aylesbury and the junction for Wescott, and diversions been put in place. It was reopened at around 7.30am.

The first of 12 calls to the fire at Vale Tyre Services came in at 1.18am. The first crews to attend were from Waddesdon and Aylesbury, who were confronted by a well-developed fire in the 10m by 20m building.

They were joined by crews from Haddenham and Bletchley. At its peak, there were more than 40 firefighters and officers at the scene. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control using a series of ground monitors.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's Assistant Chief Fire Officer Denis O'Driscoll, who was also at the scene, said: "The fire could very easily have spread to a nearby terrace of houses, but thanks to the successful early intervention of the crews this was prevented.

"Although this incident has caused serious damage to the premises and a lot of disruption, no-one has been hurt and everyone has worked together extremely well to minimise the impact.

"The evacuations were necessary because of the potential risk to the safety of residents from cylinders exploding. I would like to thank the residents affected by this for their co-operation.

"I would also like to thank the police and emergency planning officers who have worked so hard with us through the night."

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire.