Firefighters battle for four hours to control Pangbourne garage fire

"On arrival it was evident this was a significant incident, the flames were 50ft in the air," said Mr Jones.

Firefighters went to adjacent houses to secure access to the fire and four more pumps were called to the scene, from Whitley Wood, Wokingham Road, Wokingham and Goring , a total of around 30 firefighters.

Two buildings at the rear of the garage were also alight, as were several cars and car parts, including tyres.

The area was evacuated, due to firefighters' concerns the blaze may contain acetylene cylinders.

"A risk assessment established there were no acetylene cylinders," added Mr Jones.

No-one was hurt.

Eyewitness, David Stevens, who took these photographs, told local media when he looked out of the window, he could see "Lots of black smoke," he said and went outside to check the fire was not at his aunt's house.

He then discovered it was the garage on fire with flames, he continued "Starting to appear out of it very quickly."

Firefighters used four main jets and two hosereels to extinguish the blaze.

The scene was re-inspected by firefighters throughout the night and who returned again at 7.30am this morning (Friday) to the scene for a further inspection.

The incident was closed by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) at around 8am today (Friday).

The cause of the fire remains under joint investigation by the RBFRS and police.

Police closed a section of the Reading road during the incident.

PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID STEVENS