Houses evacuated after gas fire in shed

The two crews, from Leyland and Bamber Bridge, cordoned off the area at the side of a semi-detached house on Earnshaw Drive.

The fire ruptured a gas main supplying the property and the gas ignited, resulting in a plume of flame but there was no explosion, say fire crews.

The owners of the house and their neighbours were evacuated as crews used two hosereel jets to bring the fire under control, requiring the gas supply company to shut off the gas.

Householders living nearby were advised to shut doors and windows to avoid smoke from the fire, but no-one was injured.

The incident happened yesterday at around 11am.