Homes evacuated after gas cylinder fire

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Rooley Moor Road, near the Co-op and other shops

Residents of Rooley Moor Road were evacuated on Monday afternoon (20 February) after a gas cylinder fire.

Fearing an explosion, properties within a 50m cordon were evacuated and nearby roads closed.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "A fire engine from Littleborough quickly attended the scene.

“A 50-metre cordon was put in place, with properties within it evacuated and a number of nearby roads closed. Local residents were also advised to keep windows and doors closed.

"Crews used jets to extinguish the fire and cool the cylinder. They then monitored the temperature of the cylinder and took a number of gas readings before confirming the scene was safe.

“Firefighters were in attendance for approximately three hours.”