Brave firefighter speaks of tackling blazing van containing propane cylinders in Plymouth street
THIS is the moment two brave firefighters prevented a 'catastrophic' explosion by tackling a blazing van carrying propane cylinders.
Residents in Rochford Crescent, Ernesettle, were woken at about 11pm on Sunday after the van was set alight in a suspected arson attack.
-
Picture: Matt Hellyer
Neighbour Matt Hellyer managed to capture the scene as firefighters Kerry Turner and Simon Ruel extinguished the blaze.
Mr Ruel, a crew manager at Crownhill fire station, told The Herald: "There were two 19kg propane cylinders in the back of the van. There was a strange coloured flame coming off the inside of the vehicle.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
"When we realised it was gas cylinders it was just a case of getting back and cooling them. It does make you think."
Dave Marsh, watch manager at Crownhill fire station, said: "It's quite fortunate we were able to get there in time or the consequences of an explosion would have been quite catastrophic. Fortunately it was confined to the vehicle, but there was a potential risk to life." He said the Vauxhall Corsa Combo van, which was parked on the road, was not from the area.
Neighbour Wendy Moore said: "We were watching TV and all of a sudden there was a flash and a bang. There were flames coming out of the top of the van."
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of arson and police inquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting log number 764 of March 3.
Comments
by HissingSid
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 6:55PM
“Fortunate indeed! As pointed out by the watch manager, time was vital at this emergency as at any emergency. Let's keep our fire and rescue cover as it is. Get involved with Devon and Somerset's Fire and Rescue Services consultation on proposed changes to our cover. Write to your MP's and Fire Authority. If these changes go ahead then the chances of us being so 'fortunate' will be drastically reduced. SAY NO TO THE CUTS!”