Garage and car destroyed in Hampstead Norreys blaze

Gas cylinders exploded in fire

FIREFIGHTERS battled to prevent a garage fire spreading to a house in Hampstead Norreys during the early hours of this morning (Monday.)

Two pumps and a total eight firefighters from Newbury Fire Station were called at 4am to Newbury Road, where a garage attached to a detached house was well alight.

The double garage, used as a workshop, contained a hand-built Lotus car and gas cylinders.

An unknown amount of gas cylinders had exploded before firefighters arrived at the scene.

The family were discovered in the garden, after evacuating the house and no-one was taken to hospital.

One person was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

Firefighters used two hosereels and one jet to tackle the blaze, using water from a swimming pool at the property and also a nearby hydrant.

The garage and contents, including the car, were destroyed in the blaze.

The incident was closed at 8.30am today, however firefighters were planning a further inspection.

The cause is under investigation by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS).