This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-13805526

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Falmouth Docks hit by gas cylinder fire and explosions Falmouth Docks hit by gas cylinder fire and explosions
(40 minutes later)
More than 50 firefighters are dealing with a fire among hundreds of gas cylinders at a dockyard in Cornwall.More than 50 firefighters are dealing with a fire among hundreds of gas cylinders at a dockyard in Cornwall.
The blaze at Falmouth Docks started at about 0820 BST among acetylene cylinders outside a warehouse.The blaze at Falmouth Docks started at about 0820 BST among acetylene cylinders outside a warehouse.
The fire service said there were 240 cylinders in the area, but that many were empty.The fire service said there were 240 cylinders in the area, but that many were empty.
Plumes of black smoke have been seen and witnesses reported hearing explosions. Exclusion zones have been put in place.Plumes of black smoke have been seen and witnesses reported hearing explosions. Exclusion zones have been put in place.
Police placed a 300m (985ft) exclusion zone around the site, people were evacuated from nearby properties and the Ships & Castles Leisure Centre was closed.Police placed a 300m (985ft) exclusion zone around the site, people were evacuated from nearby properties and the Ships & Castles Leisure Centre was closed.
'Massive explosions''Massive explosions'
There have been no reports of any injuries. Crews described the fire as a "major incident".There have been no reports of any injuries. Crews described the fire as a "major incident".
Jamie Clark, who was staying about 60m (200ft) from the scene of the fire, said he was woken up by explosions.Jamie Clark, who was staying about 60m (200ft) from the scene of the fire, said he was woken up by explosions.
"The building's fire alarm went off and they started evacuating people."The building's fire alarm went off and they started evacuating people.
"Then there was some massive, massive explosions and we saw a big raging fire on top of these canisters.""Then there was some massive, massive explosions and we saw a big raging fire on top of these canisters."
Kevin Thomas, of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Local intelligence says there are in the region of 240 cylinders.Kevin Thomas, of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Local intelligence says there are in the region of 240 cylinders.
"We know that a good proportion of those are empty, but also obviously many are full as well.""We know that a good proportion of those are empty, but also obviously many are full as well."
Fire crews were expected to be on site for another 24 hours because of the volatility of acetylene, he said.Fire crews were expected to be on site for another 24 hours because of the volatility of acetylene, he said.
He said: "We will be cooling the cylinders and regularly checking their temperature.He said: "We will be cooling the cylinders and regularly checking their temperature.
"It will be a protracted incident for a very good reason.""It will be a protracted incident for a very good reason."
Rest centres
Devon and Cornwall Police said the fire service was in control, but if the incident rating was moved to "critical" the force would step in.Devon and Cornwall Police said the fire service was in control, but if the incident rating was moved to "critical" the force would step in.
Residents living near the docks were advised to keep doors and windows closed.Residents living near the docks were advised to keep doors and windows closed.
The Falmouth Hotel has been a temporary rest centre, housing evacuees.The Falmouth Hotel has been a temporary rest centre, housing evacuees.
Cornwall Council is on standby to set up a respite centre at the town's Emmanuel Baptist Church.Cornwall Council is on standby to set up a respite centre at the town's Emmanuel Baptist Church.
The docks, which can handle ships with displacements of up to 100,000 tonnes, have repair facilities for vessels.The docks, which can handle ships with displacements of up to 100,000 tonnes, have repair facilities for vessels.
The site also provides mooring for cruise liners visiting the town. About 40,000 cruise passengers visit the town each year.The site also provides mooring for cruise liners visiting the town. About 40,000 cruise passengers visit the town each year.
Are you in the area? Send us your comments and experiences.Are you in the area? Send us your comments and experiences.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditionsRead the terms and conditions