4 April 2009

Residents affected by today's fire in Waddesdon are being thanked for their patience and understanding.

Around 90 people in High Street and Baker Street had to leave their homes in the middle of the night because of the risk of an acetylene cylinder exploding in a garage workshop at Vale Tyre Services.

Station Manager Geoff Bottle, who was one of the officers at the incident, said: "We can now confirm that the cylinder exploded shortly after the evacuations were completed.

"These cylinders can travel a considerable distance when they explode and there is no knowing which direction they will travel in.

"Thanks to the co-operation of local people, no-one was left in a position of risk. What could have been a long and drawn-out incident has been brought to a conclusion in a fraction of the normal time."

The residents who were evacuated were initially taken to Waddesdon Fire Station and told they might not be able to return home for 24 hours. The A41 through the village was shut and motorists advised to avoid the area until tomorrow.

But following the explosion - and confirmation that there were no further cylinders - the road was reopened at 7.30am and residents were allowed back into their homes from about 9.30am.

Geoff added: "We know how inconvenient it must have been for everyone involved, but it was an essential safety precaution under the circumstances. We would like to thank everyone for acting so responsibly.

"We are currently working with Thames Valley Police to investigate the cause of the fire. Unfortunately it has caused serious damage to the premises, but we hope that life is starting to return to normal in Waddesdon in every other way."

Click here to read the earlier report on the incident.