Wimbledon Blaze: Firefighters Stop Gas Cylinder Explosion
Fire crews pulled off a major rescue in Wimbledon on Wednesday afternoon after two sheds packed with gas cylinders went up in flames.
Massive Response to Shed Fire
At around 2:20 PM on September 18, six fire engines and 40 firefighters raced to Faraday Road. They found two adjoining sheds fully ablaze, sparking fears of a catastrophic gas explosion.
“Firefighters cooled a gas cylinder to an ambient temperature as a precaution, as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat,” said a London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesperson.
Emergency crews quickly set up a 50-metre safety cordon. The crucial junction of Faraday Road and Trinity Road remains closed to traffic. Motorists are urged to find alternative routes until the danger has passed.
One Man Treated on Scene
London Ambulance Service treated one man at the scene. His condition has not been disclosed.
Fire Under Control, Investigation Ongoing
The blaze was brought under control by 4:33 PM thanks to firefighters from Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Mitcham, and neighbouring stations. Control officers fielded 10 emergency calls about the fire.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
