FIREFIGHTERS were impeded by exploding gas cylinders and a poor supply of water when they tried to tackle a blaze in an empty house last night.The blaze was reported in Spring Elm Lane, Little Baddow, shortly before 6pm and crews from Maldon, Great Baddow and Chelmsford were sent to put it out.

Roddy Ashworth

FIREFIGHTERS were impeded by exploding gas cylinders and a poor supply of water when they tried to tackle a blaze in an empty house last night.

The blaze was reported in Spring Elm Lane, Little Baddow, shortly before 6pm and crews from Maldon, Great Baddow and Chelmsford were sent to put it out.

The timber-framed building, which measured around 12 metres by 14 metres, was described as “well alight” but because of the presence of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders firefighters were unable to enter the building for safety reasons.

Speaking from the scene, divisional officer Dean Stevens said: “The house is empty and we believe it has been empty for around two years, so no people are involved in the fire.

“We have been hindered in our efforts to fight this fire by an extremely poor water supply, but the property is detached and there are no houses nearby which are at risk. Crews are working to contain the fire, but it was already well established when we were first alerted.

“A number of LPG cylinders have been involved and are venting off inside the property,” he added.

A full investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched.