FIFTY firefighters battled a blaze at a Suffolk garage tonight which saw nearby homes evacuated and a 200m exclusion zone thrown around the scene after it was feared the flames may ignite explosive canisters.

FIFTY firefighters battled a blaze at a Suffolk garage tonight which saw nearby homes evacuated and a 200m exclusion zone thrown around the scene after it was feared the flames may ignite explosive canisters.

Emergency services were called to the Rodbridge Car Centre in Long Melford at 5.10pm, where they found a work shop well alight.

The fire then spread from the 80 square metre timber framed building to a neighbouring shed, where highly flammable gases and tyres were stored.

As a result, fire chiefs decided to evacuate homes close by and in total 15 houses were cleared.

There had been no one inside the garage and most displaced residents found alternative accommodation.

The fire was out shortly after 8pm.

For more on this story, and pictures of the blaze, see Friday's EADT.