Residents ‘Evacuated’ Due to ‘Risk of Explosion’ After Massive Gas Fire Near Ikea
Around 100 residents were evacuated from their homes following a large gas fire that broke out near an Ikea store, with eyewitnesses describing the flames as shooting “more than 30 metres high.”
The incident, which occurred late on Tuesday evening, prompted an immediate response from emergency services who quickly cordoned off the area and began moving people to safety due to the escalating danger of a possible explosion.
The fire broke out in the vicinity of an industrial estate adjacent to the popular furniture retailer, sending thick plumes of smoke into the night sky and lighting up the area with a terrifying orange glow. Emergency services said the fire originated from a ruptured gas main, though the exact cause of the rupture remains under investigation.
One witness, Sarah Holt, who lives in a residential block nearby, said: “We heard a loud roaring noise, and then saw flames just shooting into the sky. It looked like something out of a disaster movie. The fire was more than 30 metres high, and the heat was intense even from a distance.”
Residents were told to leave their homes with little notice as the fire continued to rage, and many were taken to a nearby community centre which was converted into a temporary shelter. Others stayed with friends or family as authorities worked through the night to secure the area.
Gas engineers were quickly called to the scene to shut off the supply, while firefighters fought to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed that multiple fire crews and specialist units were deployed due to the volatile nature of the gas and the high risk of explosion.
“Our priority was to make sure everyone was out of harm’s way,” the spokesperson said. “We understood very early on that this was a serious incident with the potential for a large-scale explosion, so precautionary evacuations were necessary.”
Local police supported the operation by enforcing road closures and keeping bystanders at a safe distance. Residents have been praised for their calm and cooperation during the evacuation.
No injuries were reported, but officials confirmed that several buildings suffered heat and smoke damage. Ikea was closed at the time of the fire and confirmed that none of its staff were present in the store or in danger.
As of Wednesday morning, fire crews had brought the blaze under control, and engineers were assessing the site for structural damage and lingering risks. Some residents have been allowed to return home, while others remain displaced pending further safety checks.
An investigation is underway to determine how the gas main was damaged. Early indications suggest construction work in the area may have been involved, but authorities have not yet confirmed this.
Local council leaders have commended the swift action of emergency services and promised to provide support to those affected. “We are relieved that no one was hurt,” said Councillor Mark Turner. “We will ensure residents are given the help they need while we work to find out exactly what went wrong.”
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