THE threat of explosion from heated gas cylinders in a burning building prompted firefighters to evacuate about 100 people from their homes in Eastcote on Sunday, September 2.

A 100-metre exclusion zone was set up around the single-storey building in Fore Street at 2pm after ten propane cylinders were discovered in the blaze.

The heat from the flames could have caused the highly flammable gas to explode.

People living near the building were taken to a leisure centre in Eastcote Road.

Chris Norman, head of business services at Hillingdon Council, said: "Around 100 people were evacuated for their own safety.

"Highgrove Pool was kept open for longer so local residents had a safe place to go until they were allowed to return to their homes at around 6pm."

Fire crews worked throughout the night to ensure the fire was completely extinguished and the cylinders had been safely cooled.