Published: August 29, 2010
In photos: Fire crews tackle caravan blaze after explosion

Fire crews believe a leaking gas cylinder caused an explosion which completely destroyed this caravan near Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday evening (August 29th).

Two fire engines from Burnham and a further rescue tender from Taunton rushed to a camp site at Dutch Cottage in Dutch Road, Mark, at 5.50pm after residents reported hearing an explosion when the caravan burst into flames.

Fire crews used water jets and breathing apparatus to damp down the burning remains of the vehicle, which was completely destroyed, as pictured here.

Nearby resident David Preston told Burnham-On-Sea.com at the scene: "We heard an explosion and looked outside to see thick smoke coming out of the caravan, which then burst into flames."

Amid initial concerns that someone could be inside, police and an ambulance crew were also called to the scene, but no-one was found.

A fire spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Initial reports believed there to be persons inside but this was confirmed not to be the case. The crews confirmed one caravan was well alight and the police had located the occupiers."

He added that the blaze is thought to have been caused by a leaking gas cylinder which was ignited by the caravan's fridge.