LEAKING gas cylinders left dumped in a St Neots street could have caused an explosion, according to firefighters. Firefighters acted quickly to isolate the valves and make safe two 47kg propane cylinders and one butane cylinder found in Cemetery Road at
LEAKING gas cylinders left dumped in a St Neots street could have caused an explosion, according to firefighters.
Firefighters acted quickly to isolate the valves and make safe two 47kg propane cylinders and one butane cylinder found in Cemetery Road at 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 26.
It is believed the cylinders were left by fly-tippers and could have caused an explosion had they not been dealt with so quickly by the emergency services.
Callum Faint, Station Manager at St Neots Fire Station said: "If a cylinder is involved in fire, it basically acts like a small bomb. Debris, including shards of metal from the cylinder can be thrown up to 100m.
"We would strongly urge members of the public to realise the dangers of dumping cylinders and to dispose of them in a responsible manner at all times."
The cylinders have been taken away by Huntingdonshire District Council.
INFORMATION: Anyone unsure of how to dispose of cylinders should contact Cambridgeshire County Council on 0345 0455207.
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