This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/7217009.stm

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Cylinder blaze at petrol station Cylinder blaze at petrol station
(19 minutes later)
Homes in an Oxfordshire village were evacuated after an acetylene cylinder exploded, setting a garage alight.Homes in an Oxfordshire village were evacuated after an acetylene cylinder exploded, setting a garage alight.
The fire started at Sutton Courtenay Tyres in Sutton Courtenay at about 0700 GMT and people living nearby reported hearing a number of explosions.The fire started at Sutton Courtenay Tyres in Sutton Courtenay at about 0700 GMT and people living nearby reported hearing a number of explosions.
About 50 homes near the garage, at the junction of Milton Road, Harwell Road and the High Street, were evacuated but no-one was injured.About 50 homes near the garage, at the junction of Milton Road, Harwell Road and the High Street, were evacuated but no-one was injured.
The fire service and police are investigating the cause of the fire.The fire service and police are investigating the cause of the fire.
A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said: "An acetylene gas cylinder exploded and the entire building was on fire.A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said: "An acetylene gas cylinder exploded and the entire building was on fire.
"A live main cable over the garage was brought down by the blaze.""A live main cable over the garage was brought down by the blaze."
Eight fire engines and 90 firefighters battled the flames, which were described by eyewitnesses as 40ft (12m) or 50ft (15m) high.Eight fire engines and 90 firefighters battled the flames, which were described by eyewitnesses as 40ft (12m) or 50ft (15m) high.
I thought it was someone shooting birds Heather Woodward, residentI thought it was someone shooting birds Heather Woodward, resident
John Kelly, the council's emergency planning officer, said some residents may have to stay away from their homes for 24 hours while the other acetylene gas cylinders are being cooled down.John Kelly, the council's emergency planning officer, said some residents may have to stay away from their homes for 24 hours while the other acetylene gas cylinders are being cooled down.
He said the council would be arranging accommodation or transport for residents staying with family elsewhere.He said the council would be arranging accommodation or transport for residents staying with family elsewhere.
Heather Woodward, who lives in the lane opposite the petrol station, told BBC News: "I thought it was someone shooting birds.Heather Woodward, who lives in the lane opposite the petrol station, told BBC News: "I thought it was someone shooting birds.
"Then I thought 'it's a bit early for that' and when I opened the window I saw all this black smoke coming over.""Then I thought 'it's a bit early for that' and when I opened the window I saw all this black smoke coming over."
The nearby village hall has been opened as a rest centre for residents who have been forced to leave their homes.The nearby village hall has been opened as a rest centre for residents who have been forced to leave their homes.
A 200-metre (220yds) exclusion zone has been set up and motorists are advised to avoid the area as some roads in the village have been closed. A 200m (220yds) exclusion zone has been set up and motorists are advised to avoid the area as some roads in the village have been closed.
Southern Electric said about 35 properties were without electricity but engineers might have to isolate more homes.Southern Electric said about 35 properties were without electricity but engineers might have to isolate more homes.