26 Apr 2012
Flames engulfed a car repair shop in Wembley on Monday when a van containing oxy acetylene gas exploded.
More than 40 firefighters attended the scene in Thurlow Gardens. The area was evacuated amid fears that the building could contain combustible gas cylinders and an exclusion zone was also set up as a precaution.
The blaze spread to the back of the garage but the firefighters were able to bring it under control and cool down the gas cylinders so that they would not explode.
Fire safety legislation in the UK dictates that a “suitable and sufficient” fire risk assessment must be carried out on all commercial properties in England and Wales.
If the property’s fire risk assessment is considered to have not been conducted to a sufficient level, the responsible person could be hit with an unlimited fine or a maximum two-year jail term.
Copyright Press Association 2012