200 escape Sheffield fire drama
TWO hundred residents were evacuated from their homes in Sheffield this morning when a blaze ripped through two garages and a pizza takeaway shop.
Families were told to leave their homes in the early hours because of fears gas cylinders were at risk of exploding.
Firefighters were alerted to the blaze on Staniforth Road, Darnall, at 2.15am.
They arrived to find a garage, car repair shop and Pizza Planet takeaway shop were engulfed in flames.
The owners of the industrial units told firefighters that oxygen and acetylene cylinders used for welding were stored in the car repair shop.
Firefighters also feared a number of vehicles inside could explode in the heat.
Group manager Darren Staniland, who was overseeing the firefighting operation, said a police helicopter was requested to fly over the burning buildings at first light to try to spot where the gas cylinders were located and whether they had been affected by the blaze.
But South Yorkshire Police's helicopter was not available and neighbouring forces were asked to help.
Mr Staniland said for the first few hours firefighters were in "defensive mode" to try to contain the spread of the blaze.
It was initially deemed too dangerous to allow any firefighters inside.
"Because the roof of the car garage and workshop has totally gone we asked South Yorkshire Police to fly their helicopter over the units to look for where exactly the cylinders are to help us establish how badly they have been damaged," he said.
"When cylinders are involved in fire we have to put a cordon up around them for 24 hours to given them enough time to cool down to avoid the risk of explosions.
"When we arrived this was a severe fire involving several adjoining units.
"We are unsure exactly which unit it started in and it is too early to say what started it, so there will be a full investigation into it.
"Around 200 residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution and could be out all day if we have to put a cordon up around the cylinders. It is for their safety."
At the height of the blaze there were around 30 firefighters involved in the operation.
South Yorkshire Police closed Staniforth Road between Acres Hill Road and Whitby Road to allow firefighters to work.
Diversions were put in place to keep traffic away from the scene.
Got a view? Add your comment below.
READ MORE
Subscribe to The Star
Main news index
Your letters
Features
South Yorkshire's environmental news
Kids Zone
More business news
More Rotherham news
More Doncaster news
More Barnsley news
Latest sport.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Sheffield school massage sessions under fire
- SHEFFIELD UNITED: Blades told to turn on style in bid to regain second place: Urges Danny Wilson
- A tough-talking TV show has put the spotlight on a Sheffield restaurant. Julia Armstrong went to see what has changed...
- Biobank study will add to knowledge
- Fleetwood Mac, Sheffield Arena - REVIEW AND SLIDESHOW
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
