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Blaze forces 500 families to flee Blaze forces families to evacuate
(about 1 hour later)
Hundreds of families were forced to spend the night in temporary accommodation when a fire broke out near a flammable acetylene cylinder. Up to 100 people were forced to spend the night in temporary accommodation when a fire broke out near a flammable acetylene cylinder.
About 500 homes in Bury, Greater Manchester were evacuated when fire crews were called to a garage on Alma Street in Radcliffe on Monday night. A number of homes in Bury, Greater Manchester, were evacuated when fire crews were called to a garage on Alma Street in Radcliffe on Monday night.
Residents were taken to Radcliffe Civic Hall for safety shortly after 2100 GMT.Residents were taken to Radcliffe Civic Hall for safety shortly after 2100 GMT.
Six hours earlier, homes and firms in Stockport also had to be evacuated following a similar incident.Six hours earlier, homes and firms in Stockport also had to be evacuated following a similar incident.
Acetylene cylinders are used in welding operations and can explode without warning if they come into close proximity with fire.Acetylene cylinders are used in welding operations and can explode without warning if they come into close proximity with fire.
Exclusion zone
A 200m safety zone has been cordoned off around the two separate areas and people will not be allowed back to their properties for at least 24 hours.A 200m safety zone has been cordoned off around the two separate areas and people will not be allowed back to their properties for at least 24 hours.
St Mary's Roman Catholic School has been closed as a result of the exclusion zone in Radcliffe.
Around 30 families and 20 businesses were affected by the blaze on Canal Street, Stockport, which broke out around 1500 GMT on Monday.Around 30 families and 20 businesses were affected by the blaze on Canal Street, Stockport, which broke out around 1500 GMT on Monday.
Paul Duggan, from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, said: "Both fires were quickly put out but the volatile nature of acetylene meant that the cylinders needed to be cooled down over a 24-hour period.
"Once the fires were extinguished firefighters had to attach hoses which would pour a continuous flow of water onto the tanks and then retreat to a safe distance to monitor the operation over the next 24 hours."